According to the Iraqi military, for the period December 17, 1998 to December 17, 2002 the U.S. and British warplanes launched 45,922 armed sorties from their bases in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Turkey. (INA, Dec 17, 2002) Reports about civilian death were frequent. (U.S. Bombing Watch) "For the period 18 December 1998 to 6 February 2001, the number of martyrs reached 340, and those insured 1000." (Bhim Singh, Iraq A Heroic Resistance)