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Soldiers

Iraq Denies Troop Movements Towards Kuwait

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Iraq has maintained that it respects United Nations resolutions, with its envoy to Belgium, Said Ahmed, denying allegations that President Saddam Hussein had ordered elite troops to move towards Kuwait. However, an opposition group, the Iraqi National Congress, has reported large-scale troop movements in various parts of the country, citing the president's orders in response to UN sanctions. The situation has sparked a warning from Britain, which has cautioned President Saddam against contravening Security Council resolutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iraq has denied allegations that President Saddam Hussein ordered elite troops to move towards Kuwait, with its envoy to Belgium stating that there are no troops moving towards Kuwait.
  • The Iraqi National Congress, an opposition group, has reported large-scale troop movements in several parts of Iraq over the past two days, with Republican Guard divisions moving towards the cities of Basra and Amara near the southern borders.
  • The INC has stated that President Hussein ordered these movements in response to UN sanctions that are isolating his government and crippling the economy.
  • Iraq has threatened unspecified consequences if the UN Security Council does not set a deadline for lifting or easing the sanctions.
  • Britain has warned President Saddam that he would commit a grave error of judgment if he contravenes Security Council resolutions.

Statistics:

  • The UN Security Council imposed sanctions against Iraq in 1990 after the country invaded Kuwait.
  • The sanctions have crippled Iraq's economy and isolated the government.
  • There has been a year-long absence of an Iraqi ambassador to Belgium, with the mission now headed by the charge d'affaires, Said Ahmed.
  • The reports of large-scale troop movements have been made by the Iraqi National Congress in two statements issued in London over the past two days.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • Iraqi National Congress (statements issued in London)
  • British government (warning to President Saddam Hussein)

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