45 days of the war, but later declined to more sporadic missions, increasing in conjunction with major offensives. Interdiction by the IIAF was more sustained through late 1980 but after mid-January 1981 also declined. While both sides caused considerable damage on the other, with the Iranians arguably achieving more, neither interdiction effort was particularly effective nor did they play a factor in the outcome of the war. Both sides pulled back their air forces to avoid mounting losses and with the reasoning that, while they might not play a role in winning the war, they could still be used to avoid defeat. Operation Desert Storm 21st Century See also Blockade No-drive zone Ground attack aircraft Interdictor References Bibliography External links Air Interdiction, by Clifford Krieger. Aerospace Power Journal, Spring 1989. DOD dictionary definition of air interdiction. Interdiction