Iraq likely shifting around its WMD

SIFY ^ | Mar 28, 2003 | Staff

[Diddley]

US forces are not likely to encounter any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, a former UN arms inspector said, noting that Iraqi officials are probably keeping the banned munitions on the move.

"US troops in Iraq will not find any facilities with weapons of mass destruction (WMD). I am sure of that," a former chemical and biological weapons expert with the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) told Time magazine.

The expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Baghdad "most likely" has closed down any WMD facilities it may have had, the newsweekly reported in its online edition on Thursday.

He added that any munitions Iraq may still possess "are most likely now in the field and being moved around the country." The weapons "could be in railroad cars, barges or refrigerator trucks. They are being kept on the move," the official said, noting that in doing so, the Iraqis were rendering an attack by US and British forces more difficult.
. . .

"Therefore, the US needs to be careful not to amass large numbers of troops in any central location." He said some "800 unaccounted-for 155-millimeter artillery shells," which may contain mustard agent, would most likely be used in any such attack. Still, the UN official said that scenario was not very likely.
. . .

[Diddley]

Iraqi officials are probably keeping its WMDs on the move.

[whadizit]

Makes sense.

[So Cal Rocket]

Anyone here any news lately about the radio-silent cargo ships wandering around in circles in the Indian Ocean? It's been a couple of weeks (at least) since this was in the news.

[Cacophonous]

I wonder why Saddam hasn't used them yet...

[KaiserofKrunch]

What a choice Fedayeen(sp?) assignment; running around town in a Citroen with an ice chest full of beer and smallpox.

I hope the traffic isn't real heavy!

[Diddley]

I haven't heard about the ships recently.
I wonder what's up with them?

[AntiGuv]

They've been captured on the first or second day after ground operations began. They were carrying routine seamines for placement in the Persian Gulf.

[Diddley]

Thanks for that info on the ships.

[TheLion]

"Still, the UN official said that scenario was not very likely."

Boy, now we can all relax! /sarcasm

[Minty]

Sounds like disinformation. I say get the suits and blow them off the face of the eart with their WOMD and all. Sounds like he wants our troops in small numbers, for what so that the thugs can come and engage them more easily?

[jrawk]

Until it is clear that bagdahd will fall he believes he can still win and stay in power. Remember he has been through this twice, and it has not removed him from power.

Once the republican guard begins taking heavy casualties, and it is clear to Saddam that he messed with the wrong President, then they will come out.

There is another thread reporting british troups have found WMD. Shells armed with likely chemicals.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/877790/posts

-- lates