Reportedly, elements of the U.S. VIIth Corp and XVIIIth Corp had begun a classified operation to "cut-off" the Iraqi military from it supply lines and reinforcements. Although Defense Secretary Dick Cheney had made it very clear that no news briefings would occur during the first twenty-four to forty eight hours, various reports are surfacing regarding the status of the Coalition forces. Early reports indicate that the island of Jazirat Faylakah had been conquered and that as many as two-hundred Iraqi troops had been captured or surrendered.
Military and intelligence analysts in Chicago and elsewhere are predicting that early clashes will involve relatively inexperienced front-line troops that have been conscripted and are being constantly monitored by members of the "Republican Guard" and special "enforcement squads" that are reportedly circulating among the various elements of the fixed emplacements. Deserters or those that fail to fight are reportedly being summarily executed. Therefore, it is likely that the emplaced Iraqi troops will fight, with a question remaining as to the intensity of their resolve. Several military analysts have suggested that the fighting will be intense but brief at the frontlines and that the Coalition forces should be able to advance into Kuwait for at least ten (10) kilometers before encountering the more experienced and motivated troops.
Washington and Chicago analysts predict that the "Revolutionary Guard" and other elite units will react in entirely a different manner. Many of these troops are fiercely loyal to Saddam Hussein, especially a "super-elite" unit of 12-15,000 men from the area of Hussein's home village of Takrit. They can be expected to have received a majority of the best equipment, supplies, and other resources. They can also be used to fill any breaches that occur in the frontline. Some military sources indicate, however, that the "Republican Guard" has been the recipient of the munitions from more than eight hundred (800) air sorties during the last few days. Most military sources report that they will not underestimate the capability of the Iraqi forces, until more intelligence information becomes available.
The Iraqi military uses a "soviet-style" defense- in-depth, and reserves it's armor and most capable units to take advantage of any possiblity of counter-attack. Aerial observation of some emplacements even reflects that they have copied the exact designs of "Soviet-Army" defenses. The counter-attack role is believed to be undertaken by the "Republican Guard", with it's Soviet T-72 Tanks and mechanized infantry. The frontlines are expected to include sand berms, trenches filled with petroleum products that can be set on fire, large numbers of anti-armor and anti- personnel mines, and anti-tank emplacements. All defenses are designed to attempt to "funnel" attacking forces into predesignated areas and then fire upon them with artillery pieces, antiaircraft weapons, and possibly poison gases.
Intelligence reports also indicate that Iraqi special forces units that are trained to the level of the Soviet "Spetznaz" forces, are "in theatre" and can be expected to be used. These troops can be expected to attempt to infiltrate Saudia Arabia and disrupt Coalition command and control functions, sabotage comunications and munitions facilities, and to conduct assasinations of military and political leaders. Reportedly, several hundred Iraqi troops have been trained to simulate "Bedioun Tribesmen" who are know to wander the "neutral territory" between Iraq and Saudia Arabia. Unless challenged, they are prepared to conduct terrorist activities in the Coalition forces rear areas.
At least one anti-terrorist analyst in Chicago has verified that there exists an expectation of "increased terrorist activity" throughout the world. All members of the Allied Coalition are reportedly on the highest state of alert in an anti-terrorist effort. "As the expected success of the Coalition forces becomes evident, the likelihood of terrorist attacks increases", according to Clark Staten, the author of Emergency Response Guide to Terrorism. "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has done an excellent job of protecting America during the current crisis...they have reportedly thwarted at least six (6) suspected attacks or interrupted conspiracies that were planning to conduct terrorist activities", Staten said. "In light of current developments, it is necessary that all U.S. citizens report any suspicious objects, personnel, or situations that might compromise the security of America....all relevant information should be given to the FBI at the earliest opportunity", Staten concluded.
So, the struggle goes on. Undoubtedly, many obstacles will still face the Allied forces. But, it would appear that the Coalition is militarily prepared and motivated to liberate the country of Kuwait and re-establish freedom from tyranny and prosecute the oppression and aggression of Saddam Hussein.
(c) Emergency Response & Research Institute, Chicago, IL., 1991 All Rights reserved.