Allies Threaten Devastating Air Strikes if Iraq Obstructs Inspectors

Strategic Insights -

Iraq agreed to unconditionally cooperate with UN resolutions after aborting bombing missions just 24 hours prior. However, US President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned Saddam Hussein that if he obstructs inspections, he could face immediate air strikes. The inspectors are set to return to Iraq tomorrow, with the Prime Minister's spokesman stating that any hindrance to their work will leave Iraq open to immediate attack without warning.

Key Takeaways:

  • UN inspectors will return to Iraq by tomorrow after Saddam Hussein agreed to allow them to resume their work.
  • If Iraq obstructs the inspectors, they could face immediate and devastating air strikes.
  • Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President Bill Clinton warned Saddam Hussein that any attempt to hinder the inspectors' work would be met with swift action.
  • The allies had already prepared to launch a massive bombing campaign, with B-52 bombers and US Navy vessels ready to strike.
  • British planes would have carried out 20% of the manned bombing missions, designed to destroy Saddam's ability to develop, build, and stockpile weapons of mass destruction.
  • US Defence Secretary William Cohen stated that the attack was "very close" to happening.
  • UN Security Council issued a statement acknowledging Iraq's offer to cooperate clearly and unconditionally.
  • Diplomatic efforts by UN secretary-general Kofi Annan played a crucial role in persuading Iraq to back down.

Statistics:

  • US bombers were just 30 minutes from launching cruise missiles when the bombing was aborted.
  • Eight US Navy vessels were ready to launch hundreds of more cruise missiles.
  • British planes would have carried out 20% of the manned bombing missions.
  • The bombing campaign was designed to destroy Saddam's capability to develop, build, and stockpile weapons of mass destruction.

Sources:

  • Reuters, "UN inspectors to return to Iraq tomorrow"
  • The House of Commons, "Transcript of Prime Minister Tony Blair's statement"
  • The White House, "Transcript of US President Bill Clinton's news conference"
  • The Pentagon, "Statement by US Defence Secretary William Cohen"