August 2, 1992

The "no-fly zone" is imposed over south Iraq as a means of halting air attacks on Shiite Muslim rebels. The United States begins air patrols of the zone.

December 28, 1992

A US plane shoots down an Iraqi Mig-25 when it enters the "no-fly zone."

January 7, 1993

United Nations planes and ships attack Iraqi missile sites and a nuclear plant to punish Baghdad for refusing to move missiles from the south of the country.

June 27, 1993

The United States fires 24 cruise missiles at intelligence headquarters in Baghdad. Iraq says eight people are killed in the attack, which was intended as a retaliation for an alleged plot to assassinate former President George Bush.

October 7, 1994

US planes and 54,000 troops head for the Gulf as Iraq's troops appear to be on the verge of launching an offensive on Kuwait. Crisis is averted as Iraq pulls back its army.

August 31, 1996

Iraq seizes a city inside the Kurdish "safe haven" protected by US-led troops.

September 3 and 4, 1996

American fires cruise missiles at Iraqi military targets once more. President Bill Clinton extends the "no-fly zone" to cover parts of Baghdad.

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