Iraq Crisis: U.S. and Allied Forces (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Sept. 2, 1998 |
| Report Number |
98-120F |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Alfred B. Prados |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
A build-up of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf began in October 1997, in response
to Iraq’s refusal to cooperate fully with the work of U.N. weapons inspectors. As the
crisis worsened in early 1998, force levels climbed to over 35,000 U.S. military
personnel, approximately 275 combat aircraft, and 40 ships, including two aircraft
carriers, supplemented by small allied contingents. Though much smaller than the
massive coalition assembled after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, U.S. officials believed
this force capable of conducting significant military strikes against Iraq if necessary. An
agreement in late February 1998 averted a confrontation, but expanded force levels were
continued until June. Following redeployments in June, U.S. forces returned to their
pre-crisis level of approximately 20,000 military personnel in the Gulf. This report will
be revised when a significant change occurs in force levels in the Gulf region. Related
reading includes CRS Issue Brief 92117, Iraqi Compliance with Cease-Fire Agreements
and CRS Report 98-114, Iraq: International Support for U.S. Policy.
