A dozen US and British warplanes dropped 25 smart bombs on air defense targets in Western Iraq. Nearly a hundred aircraft were involved in the operation, the rest being electronic warfare, tanker and control aircraft. This raid sparked speculation that it was the beginning of a major campaign against Iraq. But US commanders pointed out that raids of this size have taken place several times before (since 1991). But raids this size don't happen often, either. And hitting key air defense headquarters and equipment in Western Iraq, makes it easier for commando and air attacks on Iraq from that direction.