1.  But at Incirlik, one American fighter pilot assigned to the monitoring flights said the Iraqi defenses had become more dangerous because of increased aggressiveness, not improved technology.

2.  Iraqi defenses continue to challenge American and British warplanes in its skies.

3.  Such an operation, if backed by the full weight of U.S. combat power, would assuredly weaken Iraqi defenses and result in the occupation of Baghdad.

4.  Though he declined to discuss his views Monday, he suggested that improved Iraqi anti-aircraft defenses would be a factor in his final recommendations to the White House.

5.  U.S. jets fired on Iraqi defense installations Wednesday after British warplanes were attacked by missiles in a no-fly zone over southern Iraq, U.S. military officials said.

6.  U.S. military officers are confident, however, that the Iraqi defenses can be destroyed without great difficulty and that losses would be low.

7.  Also Monday, U.S. warplanes attacked Iraqi defense sites in northern Iraq, the U.S. Defense Department said in Washington.

8.  American and British planes patrolling the no-fly zones over southern and northern Iraq have regularly clashed with Iraqi defense and aircraft.

9.  Also Monday, U.S. warplanes attacked Iraqi defense sites in northern Iraq, the Defense Department said in Washington.

10.  American and British planes patrolling the no-fly zone over southern and northern Iraq have regularly clashed with Iraqi defense and aircraft.