Coalition military forces report that more than 5,000 Iraqi troops have surrendered or been captured during the opening hours of the ground war. The reasons being given for early capitulation include; limited amounts of food and water for front-line Iraqi units, continued Allied propaganda and "psy- war" campaigns, limited "live-fire" training for Iraqi troops, and a crumbling command, control and communication system. Reports have been recieved that Iraqi forces are communicating by radio on "open frequencies" and can be intercepted by various Allied means. Small unit leaders of the Iraqi forces are said to be surrendering rather than face the onslaught of Allied armor, helicopters, and A-10 "Warthog" close support.
Military intelligence and media analysts indicate that the first (front) line of the "Soviet-Style" defense-in-depth may have been breached at several points and that an multi-pronged "envelopment" tactic is ongoing within the theatre. This stategy dictates that the way to defeat fixed defenses is to rapidly move around them by means of flanking maneuvers and then using airpower to destroy bunkers and deeply entrenched troop positions. Troopers, thus "flushed" from the defenses, are decimated by the strafing of planes and conventional infantry tactics. This technique is particularly effective when utilized in an area where the attacking force has established air superiority; as is the case in Kuwait.
Although unconfirmed, for security reasons, there are thought to be at least four major Allied thrusts into Kuwait. Some experts suggest that an amphibious assault from sea-borne Marines could be expected in the area of Qasr as' Sabiya or near Al Bahra, both in the vicinity of Kuwait Bay. The Marine amphibious forces could also strike as close to Kuwait City as Al Jahara or El Bida, but Iraqi forces are expected to be more heavily defended in those areas.
It is far more likely that they would want to be landed in an area which would allow them to establish a "beachhead" and move off the beach into the less defended countryside, before launching offensive operations. It is reported that the Allies will engage the Iraqi Saladin, Medina, Tawakaina, and Hammurabi Divisions within Kuwait. At least two of those divisions are thought to have suffered heavy casualties from Allied air power and Naval bombardment.
A secondary thrust is undoubtedly designed to sweep to the East of Kuwait and cut off Iraqi reinforcements and supply routes. It is likely that the Al Batln desert track will be used to move heavy equipment and armor into the classic blocking position. It is thought likely that the U.S. XVIIIth Corp, Eqyptian, and Saudi Divisions have been chosen for this important assignment. It is also likely that they will engage the Al Faw and Adnan Divisions of the Iraqi "Republican Guard" in that area. This Eastern flank is of strategic importance in that it controls most of "hard roads" and usable desert tracks that would lead into Kuwait and allow the rapid movement of supporting Iraqi units.
The third forward assault is thought to be directed into the enemy's center. It will be lead by the Multi-National forces and supporting units of the VIIth Corp, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Armored Divisions. It is believed to be moving in the area of Menaquesh or into areas Northeast of there. British and French forces are also thought to be attacking with units from several other nations of the Coalition, into the central lines. Reportedly, various combat engineer units have done an excellent job of "breaching" and destroying the forward defenses and allowing the rapid movement of mechanized forces.
The fourth column of Allied troops is "unofficially" reported as advancing quickly through a corridor near Wafra. Several large British and U.S. Army mechanized infantry and armored divisions are thought to be quickly advancing into Kuwait. They are supported on the right (West) flank by elements of key U.S. Marine divisions, Kuwaiti, Saudi and other Coalition forces. A link-up between the Marines and "Central Front" units is thought to eventually occur at Burqan, South of Ahmedi.
A "fifth" column of elements of the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne (Airmobile) and unspecified special forces personnel are thought to have been airlifted to the rear of "Republican Guards" Divisions. Members of the "Kuwaiti resistance" are also thought to be operating "behind the lines" in a various parts of Kuwait. Hussein's forces can be expected to be attacked from almost any direction.
(AUTHORS NOTE)
It should be emphasized that the scenarios and troop
movements outlined, are anticipated as a result of typical
AirLand Battle doctrine and the topography of the region that
is presented.
No details of the actual movements of any Allied forces are available at press time, nor will they be revealed by this author unless previously cleared by the appropriate military authorities. All material used in this article is gathered from published, unclassified, or personal sources.
(c) Emergency Response & Research Institute, 1991, All rights reserved.
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