IRAQ: THIRD NIGHT AIR OFFENSIVE ON IRAQ

(19 Dec 1998) English/Nat A series of thunderous explosions rocked Baghdad before dawn Saturday as U-S and British forces pressed a punishing air offensive on Iraq for a third night. Reporters on Baghdad rooftops saw fiery streaks from what appeared to be Tomahawk cruise missiles speeding across the sky in descending arcs and landing in giant fireballs. The sound of warheads exploded a few seconds late, lighting the pre-dawn horizon in red glow that silhouetted palm trees against the dark sky. Iraqi anti-aircraft gunners on roof-tops opened fire, filling the sky with booms and bright red flashes. Bright orange tracer bullets streaked across the night sky. When the attack ended, ambulances or fire trucks with sirens blaring were heard speeding away. Officials, who must escort journalists wishing to tour the city, refused to take them to the targeted areas. The attack appeared the most severe and dramatic on Baghdad since U-S and British forces began airstrikes early on Thursd