UN Inspectors Claim Iraq Hides Three Operational Nuclear Bombs

Strategic Insights -

Former UN inspector Scott Ritter alleges that despite having information on Iraq's hidden nuclear bombs, no surprise inspection has been ordered. According to Ritter, Iraq is in possession of three technologically complete nuclear bombs, lacking only fissionable materials to make them operational. This revelation comes as the UN and Iraq engage in a standoff over Iraq's refusal to cooperate with arms inspectors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former UN inspector Scott Ritter claims Iraq has three technologically complete nuclear bombs, hidden and ready for deployment.
  • Ritter alleges that Unscom, the UN Special Commission, has information on the location, method of concealment, and personnel responsible for guarding the bombs.
  • No surprise inspection has been ordered, despite available information on the nuclear devices.
  • Ritter accuses the Security Council and the Clinton Administration of blocking the work of inspectors, hindering their ability to uncover Iraq's hidden non-conventional weapons.
  • Unscom inspectors have reportedly found evidence of biological weapons tests on human beings in 1995, with no further information available on the specifics of the tests.
  • Iraq has been accused of exaggerating the number of chemical bombs used in the 1991 Gulf War, with the aim of hiding their actual inventory of chemical components.
  • Proof exists that Iraq has been manufacturing chemical weapons outside its borders since the Gulf War, with Unscom wanting to pursue this lead in Sudan but being limited by their mandate.
  • The standoff between Iraq and the UN continues, with Iraq refusing to cooperate with arms inspectors and demanding changes to the UN Special Commission.

Statistics:

  • Three technologically complete nuclear bombs allegedly hidden by Iraq (no further details available).
  • 1995: Year in which Unscom inspectors claim Iraq carried out biological weapons tests on human beings (no further details available).
  • 7 tons: Amount of chemical components reportedly hidden by Iraq in their clinic bomb reports.
  • August 26: Date Scott Ritter resigned from the UN arms inspection team.
  • August 5: Date Iraq refused to work with the UN Special Commission (Unscom).
  • August 1990: Date sanctions were imposed on Iraq due to the invasion of Kuwait.

Sources:

  • Christopher Walker, "UN Inspectors Claim Iraq Hides Three Operational Nuclear Bombs" (no publication date available)
  • Zeev Schiff, military editor of Haaretz, " Iraqi covertly builds three nuclear devices" (August 1998)
  • Babel (Baghdad), "Iraq Would Boycott Security Council" (August 1998)
  • Haaretz, "UN special envoy tells security council of Iraq refusal to cooperate" (August 1998)
  • The Times, "Iraq has denied claims that it has three nuclear bombs" (August 1998)