Response to Task 4438 from OICC, Request for Information

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Response to Task 4438 from OICC, Request for Information on the 
Dispersal of Anthrax Spores From Iraqi BW Facilities

Filename:063pgv.91p

[   (b)(2)   ][   (b)(6)   ]

14 February 1991

Subject: Response to Task 4438 from OICC, Request for Information 
on the Dispersal of Anthrax Spores From Iraqi BW Facilities

	 [   (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4)   ].

Reference: [    b.2.    ], Iraq/BW Facilities, 7 February 1991.

1. 	Is it possible that the Iraqi BW research and 
Development/production facilities were transferred from Salman Pak 
to Latifiyah (or to other areas), and would be operated by the 
Iraqis within a short period of time?

A.	Yes, it is possible.  This would be difficult since much of 
the equipment is delicate and would be hard to relocate and 
recelebrate.  This would take some time to start the research, and 
we are unsure of whether Iraq decided to do this, or that they 
made a decision to start this process in a timely manner. 

2.	Is there any hard evidence regarding the existence of an 
active BW facility in the area of Latifiyah?  If so, when was it 
located there, and has its construction been completed?

A.	Not able to determine this with confidence.  Reports of a new 
BW facility at Latifiyah have been noted, but it is not clear that 
these reports were of discussions or of actual plans to build a 
plant. 

3.	Is it possible that the fermentation equipment from Chemap is 
due to arrive at the facility mentioned in paragraph 2?

A.	Yes it is possible, but this can't be confirmed.

4.	Any information regarding dispersion of biological agents 
resulting from the bombings on the production/storage facilities. 
 If indeed there was such	dispersion, which agents were dispersed 
and from which sites?

A.	The Soviet press has reported that anthrax was released from 
a facility in Iraq, resulting in 50 deaths.  This cannot be 
confirmed.  Speculate that the facility was Salman Pak.

5.	What are the dimensions of the dispersion and the scope of 
the
environmental damage?

A.	Unknown.  Until more information is available, no release can 
be confirmed.