"The action by coalition forces in Iraq were part of a very normal pattern that has been underway throughout the time I have been in the department and before," Rumsfeld told a news briefing.

     He said the Iraqi government continued to fire at coalition aircraft paroling the no-fly zones in Iraq and to move air defense capabilities in those areas.

     "We intend to keep taking action against those capabilities," he said. "And that's what is taking place."

     Earlier U.S. defense officials said British Tornado warplanes attacked the site in a "no-fly" zone in southern Iraq. The officials stressed the strike was not connected to last week's coordinated attack on the Pentagon near Washington and the World Trade Center in New York.