Iraqi Biological Weapons (BW) Capabilities (U)

Filename:011bk.90d
                                                                  
DIA/DB-5
14 Sep 90
Background Paper for the Director, J-5

SUBJECT:  Iraqi Biological Weapons (BW) Capabilities (U)

l.        PURPOSE: To provide the Director, J-5 with information 
on Iraq's BW weapons and possible use of these weapons.

2.   (U)  Points of Major Interest:

    a.    Since Iraq's doctrine for BW remains unknown, the 
potential use of BW by Iraq cannot be described with confidence.  
The type of weapons, their  fills, employment techniques, and 
other critical factors are not known.

   b.      Likely delivery means for BW:  spray tanks, cluster
bombs, or possibly missile warheads.  Iraq is assessed to have BW 
weapons [   (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4)   ].
        
    c.     Possible targets for BW.  Biological weapons have the 
potential to contaminate large areas with relatively small amounts 
of agent; therefore, large fixed targets such as major military 
installations or population centers are the most likely targets 
for such weapons.

    d.    Indicators of pending use of biological agents could 
include  activity at the probable biological bunkers at Salman 
Pak, or mass immunization of Iraqi troops and civilians against BY 
agents.

    e.    Circumstances leading to Iraq's use of BW depend on 
Iraq's doctrine for employment of BW.  Since the effects of BW are 
usually delayed, and BW contamination may persist for years, BW 
employment must be initiated some time before its effects are 
desired.  The lead time for BW employment should be on the
order of 3 to 14 days.  Iraq could choose to use BW prior to the 
initiation of hostilities, or might use BW if defeat becomes 
imminent.

    f.   It is unlikely BW would be employed in a manner similar 
to CW employment since the agents and weapons systems are 
necessarily so different.  Chemical agents act much more rapidly 
than biologicals, cover a smaller area, and are generally much 
less persistent.  Chemicals are more suited to tactical  use when 
rapid results are essential, while biologicals are best used in 
conjunction with a strategic plan where delayed effects are 
acceptable.

COORDINATION:   None.

Prepared by:  [   (b)(6)   ]
[   (b)(2)   ]