The threat of Saddam Hussein's forces using chemical or biological weapons against coalition troops in Iraq has become negligible, Adam Mastrianni, intelligence official with the US 101st airborne division told AFP on 4 April. 'Now that we have penetrated Baghdad's outer ring, the likelihood is negligible,' he said. 'The commanding general of the 101st -gave the order -that soldiers in the division would be able to take off their anti-chemical and biological suits as of Friday morning.' Military sources quoted in the press had earlier speculated that there existed a 'red line' around Baghdad that, once crossed by coalition forces, would trigger the use of chemical or biological weapons. No such weapons have yet been discovered in Iraq. 'We thought, if he was going to use chemicals, the first major town he was going to use them in was Karbala,' said Mastrianni. 'The next major zone was when we penetrated outer Baghdad.'
You might also like...
Alstom wins Jeddah airport deal
18 April 2024
Chinese contractor to build 86-storey tower in Dubai
18 April 2024
Japan and UAE to explore clean energy cooperation
18 April 2024
Contract awarded for Algeria steel project
18 April 2024
A MEED Subscription...
Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.