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TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS (BIWEEKLY), 15 - 31 DECEMBER 1990 	

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TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS (BIWEEKLY), 15 - 31 DECEMBER 1990 	
Chemical Warfare



We assess that most of Iraq's chemical stores is of a unitary nature and, 
due to poor quality, is at the end of its shelf life (4-6 weeks). The last 
known major production run in Iraq ended in early October. Therefore, if 
Saddam intends to employ CW effectively, he will have to initiate a major 
chemical production run before hostilities begin. No such chemical agent 
production run has yet been detected, but there has been some recent 
unusual activity at the munitions fill area of the Samarra CW facility. 
For example, a stake-bed truck carrying four possible SCUD warhead 
canisters was observed on 26 December and had departed by 27 December. 
This is the first time that such canisters have been associated with 
Samarra and, if the canisters did indeed contain SCUD warheads, it wculd 
confirm the existence of a SCUD CW warhead. Other unusual cargo trucks and 
crates have recently been observed at the munitions fill area, as well as 
the bunkered storage area.

Summary

Sincc 1983, chemical weapons have been a part of the conflict between Iran 
and Iraq.     First Iraq,and then Iran, acquired the technology, equipment 
and chemical  feedstocks to produce chemical weapons, and both have used 
chemical weapons in the war.Iraq, however, has used chemicals both 
offensively and defensively,far more often, on a larger scale and more 
effectively than Iran.  As the war has progressed, CW doctrine and 
battlefield use of chemicals by Iraq has improved significantly. We 
believe that Iraq now views chemical weapons use as as integral part of 
major offensive operations against Iran.

Iraq has used nonpersistent lethal chemical weapons delivered by 
artillery, aerial bombs and multlple rocket launchers to support its 
recent offensive actions. In April 1988 chemical were used against fire 
support units and command and control facilities ln the recapture of the 
Al Fav area. The scale and effect of the use, however, are not known. 
Chemical weapons were again used by Iraq ln May 1988 during the Fish Lake 
offensive against artillery units to disrupt the fire support available to 
the Iranian defenders.This disruption of fire support had a significant 
effect upon the Iranian defensive capabilities, but probably did not 
change the outcome of the battle given Iraq's overwhelming superiorlty in 
armor, artillery and, to a lesser degree, personnel. Iran has reported the 
use of chemicals by Iraq during the June 1988 Major Islands offensive.
Limited informatlon supports this claim. but the scale of use and lts 
effect upon the battle are not known.

While Iraqi chemical doctrine continue to evolve. Iraq now is 
concentrating chemical use against selected targets Just before the main 
ground assault resulting in disrupted Iranian command and control, reduccd 
artillery support,and confusion in the Iranian rear areas and reserves 
Such selective use obviates the need for massive chemical use on the front 
lines and serves to conserve chemical munitions.




 



 

 

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