US-Led Military Campaign in Iraq: A Detailed Analysis of the Third Day of Strikes

Strategic Insights -

US and British aircraft conducted 200 sorties over southern Iraq on Friday, targeting 50 sites, including elite Republican Guard units and suspected chemical and biological facilities. The campaign, now in its third night, has been deemed "generally successful" by Pentagon officials, who report no US or British casualties and minimal resistance from Iraqi forces. However, Iraqi officials claim that 25 people were killed, and several non-military sites in Baghdad were damaged.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US-led campaign has focused on disabling southern Iraq's air defenses, crippling Republican Guard units, and striking suspected chemical and biological facilities.
  • On Friday, US and British aircraft flew 200 sorties, striking 50 sites, including elite Republican Guard units and suspected chemical and biological facilities.
  • The campaign has been deemed "generally successful" by Pentagon officials, with no US or British casualties reported and minimal resistance from Iraqi forces.
  • Iraqi officials claim that 25 people were killed, and several non-military sites in Baghdad were damaged, including the Trade Ministry headquarters, the Museum of Natural History, and the Pharmacy College of Baghdad.
  • For the first time in their 20-year history, B-1 bombers were deployed in combat, striking inside Iraq with 650-pound unguided bombs.
  • US aircraft have flown 350 missions from bases in Kuwait, the carrier U.S.S. Enterprise, and the Indian Ocean Island of Diego Garcia, launching about 300 cruise missiles.
  • The campaign has targeted an array of targets important to Saddam's regime, including oil refineries, radio and television relay stations, and suspected chemical and biological facilities.
  • Defense officials hope the attacks will weaken Saddam's regime, if not break its hold on power, and set back Iraq's weapons efforts by about a year.
  • The US buildup in the region includes 51 more combat aircraft, the carrier U.S.S. Carl Vinson, and 5,600 soldiers, which will allow US forces to continue strikes into the month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan.

Statistics:

  • 200 sorties conducted by US and British aircraft over southern Iraq on Friday.
  • 50 sites targeted by US and British aircraft on Friday.
  • 300 cruise missiles launched by US aircraft.
  • 350 missions flown by US aircraft from bases in Kuwait, the carrier U.S.S. Enterprise, and the Indian Ocean Island of Diego Garcia.
  • 20-year history of B-1 bombers: the first time they have been deployed in combat.
  • 25 people killed in Iraq, according to Iraqi officials.
  • Several non-military sites in Baghdad damaged, including the Trade Ministry headquarters, the Museum of Natural History, and the Pharmacy College of Baghdad.

Sources:

  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services, "US-Led Campaign in Iraq: Third Day of Strikes" (1998)
  • Pentagon officials, interviewed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
  • Iraqi officials, interviewed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
  • US Defense Secretary William Cohen, interviewed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
  • Gen. Henry Shelton, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, interviewed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
  • Vice Adm. Scott Fry, director of operations for the Joint Staff, interviewed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
  • Rear Adm. Thomas Wilson, director of intelligence for the Joint Staff, interviewed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.