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Filename:091pgv.00p
[ (b)(2) ]

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

1.         Request all available information on the presence of 
chemical mines in the Iraqi inventory and in the KTO:

    a.        Numbers, types, sizes, agents, identification, 
countermeasures, disarming and disposal of chemical mines in the 
Iraqi inventory:
    DIA has received very limited reporting on the presence of  
chemical mines in the Iraqi inventory. A recent and unverified 
report described an Iraqi chemical landmine. The Iraqis reportedly 
modified a U.S. manufactured M21 anti-tank mine. They are grey in 
color with yellow stripes on top, middle and bottom of the mine
in parallel configuration. The modification consisted of an 
additional opening in the top, similar to the fuze well, which was 
sealed with a plastic filler plug or screw. On top was an oval 
shaped button used to unscrew the filler plug/screw. No 
information was given as to the chemicals contained in the 
landmine.

Comment:         Until receipt of this report, DR did not assess 
that Iraq had chemical mines in its inventory. We have no 
information on how many chemical mines Iraq has. We assess that 
they probably would be filled with mustard agent. We have no 
information on mine countermeasures, nor how they would be 
disarmed or disposed of.

    b.         Another type of chemical "mine" in Kuwait City has 
been described by several sources. This is a "mine" in the 
historical sense, and is perhaps better described as a chemical 
"ambush." These chemical ambushes consist of small bunker-type 
structures, often in a horseshoe shape, which have been partially
backfilled with earth and into which containers which appear to 
contain chemical agents have been placed. Ambushes described 
appear to contain approximately 20 gallons of two potential 
agents, presumably mustard and non-persistent nerve agents. There 
is also a possibility that some of these ambushes may contain a 
fuel-air explosive charge, which could be used to detonate the 
bunker and cause additional damage. No information is currently 
available on how the detonation would be initiated or controlled. 
A chemical ambush such as this could be used to create both a 
local persistent hazard in the immediate area, and a vapor hazard 
in the downwind area. Two of these bunkers have been reported 
along Gulf Street in Kuwait City, one near the U.S. Embassy and 
one at a public bath. There are believed to be several others at 
unknown locations throughout the city.

    c.        US/Coalition forces possession of chemical mines in 
the Gulf region:     [  (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4)  ]      It is 
probably safe to assume that the Coalition forces do not have 
chemical mines in the Gulf area.
       [ (b)(6) ]
 



 

 

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