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The following interactive map and associated text provide locations and detailed descriptions of sites and facilities that comprised Iraq's biological weapon (BW) program circa 1991. The current status of these facilities is unclear. The list does not include sites with BW potential (such as breweries) that the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) monitored during the years it was in Iraq.
Data found under the Location heading provide the approximate geographic position for each site, while data in the Short Descriptor heading list the key (though not necessarily all) BW activities at that site. Information found under Details is derived from UNSCOM documents as well as interviews with UN and other experts. This section provides background and more extensive activity details. Finally, Other Information includes data found in declassified U.S. government documents available at the GulfLink web site (http//www.gulflink.osd.mil/), along with other published material.
Open interactive map showing Iraqi biological weapons (BW) sites.
Abou Obeydi Airbase
also referred to as “Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah/117”
Location
SW of Al-Kut
Short Descriptor
Test site for drop tank dispersion tests; deployment site for Mirage F-1 and prototype drop tank; buried bulk agent storage tanks
Details
In September 1995, Iraq declared the existence of two projects using aircraft drop tanks—2000-liter capacity—for BW agent dissemination, one using the Mirage F-1, the other a MiG-21. The Mirage project began in November 1990 when a prototype (from a modified tank) was manufactured and a series of trials undertaken at Abou Obeydi Airbase. Apparently, three tests were conducted two in December 1990 and one on 13 January 1991. Just before the Gulf War began, the Mirage, with the prototype tank attached, was left in a shelter at Abou Obeydi. Iraq states the shelter was bombed and the Mirage and the drop tank were destroyed by fire.
Iraq’s plan was to modify 12 tanks. Work on the project continued throughout the war (the only BW weapon system that continued in development after the war started), with a stated three completed by March 1991, the work having been done at several establishments. Iraq declared that the three drop tanks were “unilaterally destroyed” in the summer of 1991; remains of three such tanks were inspected by UNSCOM. However, while extensive piles of damaged aircraft were located at Abou Obeydi, the Mirage with the prototype drop tank has not been identified.
Iraq claimed for two years that the drop tanks were intended to deliver Bacillus anthracis spores; Bacillus subtilis spores were used as a simulant in a test. However, Iraq reversed its statement at the Vienna Technical Evaluation Meeting (TEM) by claiming that botulinum toxin was the intended agent.
In addition, two mobile storage tanks for bulk BW agents, each with a capacity of 1000 liters, were found buried at the Al-Azzizziyah outstation of Abou Obeydi.
Other Information
The site was struck several times during the Gulf War.
...Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah Airfield This airfield is approximately 7km southwest of Kut al Amarah and 150km southeast of Baghdad on the south bank of the Tigris River. It houses the [deleted] intercept squadron equipped with the AM-39 Exocet-ASM-capable Mirage F.1, a second Mirage F.1 squadron, and one MiG-21 (Fishbed) fighter squadron.
Source Gulf Link, “Summary of Iraqi Chemical Warfare Activity,” September 1990, CIA, file 110296_cia_93671_72545_01.txt.
...The following 12-frame refrigerated bunkers [are] capable of storing BW agents and “S”-shaped bunkers [deleted] Storage are listed in recommended priority order for attack...[deleted] Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah Afld, [deleted] two s-shaped bunkers....
Source GulfLINK, “Desert Storm Iraq’s Chemical and Biological Warfare Facilities,” 28 January 1991, Respond to Task 3888, Pass to the ITF Ops Officer, file0139p6v.91d.
...[deleted], Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah, IZ, Coord 322915n/0454544e, [deleted]. Confirmed light damage to one of the Marage [sic] aircraft bunkers in area 2 [deleted]. This damage was sustained on 27 Jan 1991 during a previous attack but was not noted [deleted]. No damage was apparent to either of the chemical munitions storage bunkers....
Source GulfLINK, “Bomb Damage Assessment Cable,” 29 January 1991, DIA, file 961031_950719_72327114.txt.
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Agricultural and Water Research Station (Al-Safah)
also referred to as “Al-Safah, Fudhaliyah site”
Location
Fudhaliyah, east of Baghdad between Baghdad and Al A’zamiyah
Short Descriptor
Aflatoxin production claimed; aflatoxin and genetic engineering research
Details
Iraq declares that aflatoxin production began at Fudaliyah in January 1990, although oral testimony indicates the date is actually September 1990. The “Hakam report” indicates that Iraq produced 2200 liters of aflatoxin, but it does not specify the location of that production.
The site was also, possibly, an alternative headquarters for Technical Research Center (TRC; Salman Pak) during the Gulf War.
Other Information
...Another large production facility at Al-Manal (south of Baghdad near the Baghdad broadcast station) is involved in the production of viruses. Although this facility was damaged during the Gulf War, production activity is being carried out in three large buildings equipped with four 2,200-liter fermentation tanks. Fungus agents are being produced [at] a large facility of six buildings in Al-safa Al-Fadhaliya, east of Baghdad....
Source GulfLINK, “Status of Biological Weapons; Country Iraq; Subj Reorganization of the Ministry of Industry and Military Industrialization,” August 1991 (date of information, early August 1991), CIA, file cia_62856_62856_01.txt.
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Agricultural Aviation Division/Khan Bani Sa'ad Aerodrome
Location
25km NE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Test site for helicopter-borne aerosol generator (Zubaidy device)
Details
The Technical Research Center (TRC) at Salman Pak developed an aerosol generator for the dispersal of BW agents or toxins by modifying helicopter-borne, commercial chemical insecticide disseminators. The system was known as the “Zubaidy device.” Iraq has made no declaration as to the number of aerosol generators produced, although it now claims that the devices were “inconsequential.” A document submitted by Iraq reported the successful field testing—at the Khan Bani Sa’ad aerodrome—of these devices in August 1988 to spray Bacillus subtilis spores. In addition, UNSCOM has evidence of a parallel development by TRC of a similar device, probably for delivery by drones. Iraq officially denies all knowledge of this second device.
Other Information
n/a
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Airfield 37
also referred to as “Al Muhammadi/122 Airfield”
Location
Near Ramadi, 100km west of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Possible storage/deployment site for BW-type R-400 bombs
Details
Iraq declares that some BW-type R-400 bombs were stored/deployed at this location [note Iraq also filled R-400 bombs with chemical agent]. UNSCOM discovered R-400 bombs at the site, although it found no evidence of BW-type weapons at the location.
Other Information
...K-3 Airfield (Haditha; Air Strip 37) BW Munitions have been stored at this facility...
Source GulfLINK, “BW Stored,” n.d., CIA, file cia_62841_62841_01.txt.
...There are 75 biological weapons of agents A, B, and C hidden near Airstrip 37, located northeast of the Al-Muhammadi Airbase. These are 90-liter bombs buried one meter underground. Also buried one meter underground are two tanks of liquid spore (possibly agent B). Unable to identify the agents. Previous reporting referred to the agents as 1, 2, and 3.
Source GulfLINK, “Status of BW,” CIA, August 1991, file cia_62856_62856_01.txt.
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Al-Amiriyah, House
Location
Al-Amiriyah section, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
First location for the Al-Hazen Institute (BW research)
Details
Preliminary R&D site for Al-Hazen Institute. UNSCOM assesses that this may be correct although Iraq has provided neither a diagram nor a rationale for this site.
Other information
n/a
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Asma’a School
Location
Hindaya, south of Mussayeb
Short Descriptor
Media, equipment, supplies, and records evacuation site
Details
Iraq’s full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) identifies two losses of media prior to the first BW inspection. The first was said to have occurred during the evacuation of Al-Hakam and the relocation of its headquarters to Al-Asma’a school about 30km away. It is stated that equipment important to the functioning of departments was moved to the school on 22-23 January 1991. Included was an unknown quantify of media of various, but unidentified types. At some time before the return to Hakam in May 1991, Iraq claims the school was broken into and some items stolen and damaged including some of the media.
Iraq states that no investigation of the loss occurred and that the amounts and types of media cannot now be recalled. The figures in the material balance table of the FFCD indicate that more than 900kg of media were “lost,” including more than 700kg of peptone, which is relevant to Clostridium perfringens (Agent G) production. There would appear to be no basis for these figures other than a calculation designed to account for all the media, i.e., so that the material balance equals zero.
UNSCOM has reason to believe that no media were stored at the schoolhouse and that none were stolen. Documents support the belief that it served as an alternative site.
Other Information
n/a
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Azzizziyah Airfield
Location
80km SE of Baghdad (actual destruction near Azzizziyah Airfield)
Short Descriptor
R-400 deployment site; R-400A and R-400 destruction site. Also, Iraq declares that two agent mobile storage tanks were destroyed at this site.
Details
n/a
Other Information
n/a
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Dabash Stores
Location
Western section of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Storage site for growth media
Details
Stores facility owned by Kimadiya Company. Media from BW program stored at site 1991-96. Iraq acknowledges role of site. Media destroyed by UNSCOM in 1996.
Other Information
n/a
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Euphrates
Location
River bank adjacent to Hakam facility
Short Descriptor
Recovery site of six R-400 bombs and one 155mm artillery shell.
Details
In December 1995, six R-400 bombs with physical characteristics (markings, epoxy lining on some of the bombs) indicating biological fill were recovered by UNSCOM at this site. Also found were two LD-250 bombs, two ALD-500 bombs, one ALD-500 bomb tail, one artillery shell (see below), one 122mm rocket warhead, and one filling frame. The significance of these discoveries lies in the fact that Iraq has claimed all filling of munitions was done at Muthana.
A single 155mm artillery shell was found at Iraq’s main BW production facility, Al-Hakam, recovered from the Euphrates. It was of the same type used for CW agents and contained water. Another smaller caliber shell was also found, which had been detonated. These shells were said to have been for evaluation. Four similar shells were used in a trial for the dissemination of the BW agent ricin. No further evidence has been found. It appears that these trials produced indifferent results, and they apparently were discontinued.
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Fao State Establishment
Location
Southeast Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Civil construction enterprise; design and construction center for al-Hakam
Details
Fao State Establishment is a civil construction unit that contributed to design and construction of numerous NBC and missile sites in Iraq. Formerly known as the Shamouk Establishment, it is subordinate to the Military Industrial Corporation (MIC). No information on Hakam-related activities provided by Iraq.
Other Information
n/a
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Faris Factory
Location
Al-Amiriyah, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Development of BW drop tanks
Details
No information provided by Iraq; not acknowledged as part of the program
Other Information
n/a
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Al-Hakam
Location
60km SW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Iraq’s key BW facility at the time of the Gulf War. Involved in research, production, weaponization, and (after the war) disposal of agent. Hakam produced both botulinum toxin and anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores on an industrial scale.
Details
Although the site was formally acquired on 24 March 1988, plans for the facility were completed in 1987. Iraq has acknowledged that Al-Hakam was built with the objectives of undertaking research and development together with industrial scale production of BW agents; the actual filling of weapons was considered for the future.
In 1988, Hakam was intended to accommodate three, five-cubic meter fermenters. According to an Iraqi document, two were planned to produced botulinum toxin and one was intended for Bacillus anthracis spores. In the event, the fermentation line from the Al-Kindi company was installed comprising seven 1480-liter fermenters and two 1850-liter fermenters (14,060 liter combined capacity). Assuming annual replenishment of agent, the initial annual capacity of the factory would be about 80,000 liters.
Agent was stored in a bunker and warehouse at Hakam. The hardened bunker was capable of housing some twenty 5000-liter containers, although just four are acknowledged as having been built; two were placed in the bunker and two in the warehouse. These containers were specifically designed for pathogen storage and subsequent sterilization. Hakam also had mobile containers of the 1000-liter capacity; at least 39 were manufactured in 1989 and 1990. The total planned storage was probably in the region of 80,000 to 100,000 liters of agent.
In October 1988, Iraq’s BW production staff moved from Al-Salman to Hakam (in early 1990, there was an additional transfer of staff). In 1989, much of the research group at Salman Pak was transferred to Hakam, where experiments on weapons-materials compatibility were undertaken, as well as quality control of BW agents. Also in 1989, Hakam began industrial-scale production of botulinum toxin; industrial-scale production of Bacillus anthracis spores began in September 1990. Weaponization of BW agents took place in December 1990 and January 1991. Some 340 liters of unweaponized Clostridium perfringens (causative agent of gas gangrene) were produced at Hakam.
Hakam was also the site of a trial in August 1990 to determine the size of the “booster charge” required to disperse agent for R-400 bombs. All attempts by Iraq to locate the exact site or to find any evidence of it have failed.
After 1991, Iraq maintained and expanded al-Hakam, although from that point on, Iraq asserts that the facility was used solely as a single cell protein (SCP) production plant. However, no serious attempts to produce SCP ever occurred. SCP was only produced in insignificant quantities as a camouflage, principally by harvesting SCP from brewers waste rather than de novo production from petroleum products. Individuals identified as key workers in Iraq’s BW program continued as members of the staff of Al-Hakam. In the years after 1991, Iraq attempted to obtain dual-purpose equipment including industrial-scale fermenters from within the country and abroad.
In May/June 1996, a Commission team (UNSCOM 134/BW 31) supervised the destruction of the extensive buildings, equipment, and materials. All structures and equipment at Al-Hakam, except for a few items, were explosively demolished and the remnants were buried.
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HQ Air Force Technical Depot
also referred to as “Technical Military Depot for the Air Force at Taji”
Location
Taji area; 15km NE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Drop tank storage, destruction (F-1 tank, not MiG tank)
Details
UNSCOM assesses that the stated role for this site may be correct.
[Note See Abou Obeydi entry for drop tank discussion.]
Other Information
n/a
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Al Hazen Ibn Al-Haytham Institute
Location
Salman peninsula (not within Salman Pak facility fence line), SE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
The first dedicated BW research facility, designed specifically for the start of the BW program.
Details
Iraq states that the BW program began in 1974 by presidential decree and by establishment of the Al Hazen Institute. Consideration of the program must have been earlier, given the completion of a functional scientific research complex by mid-1974. Planning, design, and construction of such a complex would had to have started by at least 1973, with concepts developed even earlier. The affiliation of the Institute is not defined, other than to a “State Security Organization.” The Hazen Institute was under the direction of Major Ibrahim Ghazim, a member of the Chemical Corps, with the biological component having two senior Chemical Corps members.
The full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) states that the biological component of Hazen was “research on microorganisms for military purposes.” It included antibiotic and environmental resistance, means of production, and agent preservation. While accepting in a broad sense this stated scope of research, UNSCOM assesses that the true objectives of the work and relationship to military requirement is lacking. Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus anthracis spores, Shigella spp., Vibrio cholerae, and viruses were among the microbes studied. Information from interviews differ on the success and outcome of the research.
The Institute was liquidated on 16 January 1979 because of financial fraud by the chairman and some senior staff, not for reasons of inadequacy of the facility, nor its inability to make scientific progress as claimed by Iraq. Iraq further asserts that that biological research was terminated but it is probably a temporary halt. Overall, UNSCOM has a poor understanding of the work done at this facility.
Other information
...In 1964, Iraq established the Iraqi Army Chemical Corps. Shortly thereafter, the Soviet Union provided Iraq a great deal of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protective equipment and training. A little more than a year later, reports began to circulate that Iraq was using toxic agents against the Kurds within their own country. These agents were believed to be riot control compounds; however, there were indications in the mid- to late-1980s that Iraq was interested in developing both chemical and biological warfare agents, possibly for use against the Kurds. Initial agent research and development took place at a facility near Salmat [sic] Pak (3306NO443SE) in association with the Al Hazen Institute. This work was transferred to a larger facility at Samarra (335ON04350E) in the early 1980s.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi Chemical Warfare Tactics, Policy and Doctrine,” VII Corps/ARCENT, file 123096_jun96_decls3_0001.txt.
...This report provides a chronology of events surrounding the Al Hazen Institute, the Ibn Al Haitham Institute, and the Baghdad Medical City, and their links to biological warfare programs.... At the beginning of 1988, the Al Hazen Institute was first identified and linked to the Salman Pak BW facility. The Iraqi Journal of Biological Sciences published an article from the chemistry department at the Ibn al Haitham Institute in Baghdad, Iraq, on trace elements of heavy metals found in Iraqi chewing gum. ((field comment) - see paragraph 14 for more information). In mid-1990, an Ibn al Haitham Institute was described as being in the Medical City. In February 1991, a booklet called “Storm in the Gulf” was published by an Iraqi author living in the West. He stated that the Iraqi secret service was called the “Ibn al Haitham.” In September 1991, Commission team UNSCOM 15 looked for an underground BW facility in the Medical City. [deleted]. (source comment) - [deleted]. The team also asked about the Ibn al Haitham Institute and was told it was an eye hospital. At the end of 1991, U/I material was moved to a bunker near Al Amiriyah. In January 1992, the Medical City was cleaned (NFI). Also in January 1992, a source stated that the government chemical institute was moved to Mosul. In February 1992, UNSCOM 21 again looked for an underground bunker in the Medical City. The inspection team had hand-drawn maps that they gave to the Iraqis in an attempt to locate the bunker. (source comment The Iraqis now believed that this information came from a human source.) In March 1992, the Ibn al Haitham Missile Research and Development Institute was established. In April 1992, the Medical City was reportedly closed to foreigners and only North Korean construction workers were allowed into the area. In July 1992, all personnel was moved out of the Medical City into two separate facilities. One facility was north of Mosul near the Tigris River and was described as being similar to the one in the Medical City. The second facility was the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. (field comment This is the ministry where the standoff occurred during the UNSCOM39 search for a possible underground facility.) On 9 august 1992, the British magazine The Observer ran an article called “Iraqi Scientist Tells Ten Year Secret From Tehran.” The article described BW research carried out under the civilian intelligence service at a facility with a name similar to the Al Hazan Institute. The Iraqis declared the existence of the Technical Research Center (TRC), of which a portion was involved in the analysis of foodstuffs. (source comment The food analysis at the TRC is similar work to that done by the Ibn al Haitham Institute mentioned in an article from the Iraqi Journal of Biological Science on chewing gum. Source believes it unlikely for Iraq to have two forensic departments in existence at the same time.) UNSCOM42 inspected the missile research center at Ibn al Haitham (NFI). X-comments (u)1. (source comment A portion of the Baghdad metro system was designed to run under the Medical City. An U/I American company and an U/I Brazilian company were initially involved in part of the design work. The metro was designed to be nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) secure with walls 2.5 meters thick and the roof 3.5 meters thick. An air lock system was also planned. Two metro stations were near the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. The companies were dismissed after providing the design plans. Given the plans for the tunnels, the Iraqis could have built portions of the planned metro system near the Medical City. This might explain the information about material moving from the Medical City to the Agriculture Ministry. 2. (u) (field comment An October 1982 article in the British magazine Tunnels and Tunneling entitled “Baghdad Metro - First in the Middle East” provides background information on construction of the Baghdad metro system—see enclosure.)
Source GulfLINK, “Baghdad Medical City,” DIA, IIR, June 1993, file 961031_950719_22010825_93a.txt.
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Jarf Al-Sakr
Location
25km west of Al-Musayyib (exact location unknown)
Short Descriptor
Test site for 155mm artillery shells filled with ricin
Details
A single 155mm artillery shell was found at Iraq’s main BW production facility Al-Hakam, recovered from the River Euphrates. Containing water, it was of the same type used for CW agents. Another smaller caliber shell was also found, which had been detonated. These shells were said to have been for evaluation. Four similar shells were used in a trial for the dissemination of the BW agent ricin, reportedly at Jarf Al-Sakr. No further evidence has been found. It appears that these trials produced indifferent results, and that, apparently, these projects were not continued.
Other Information
n/a
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Jurf Al-Nadaf
Location
unknown
Short Descriptor
Aerosol chamber dump site
Details
Role confirmed by inspection
Other Information
n/a
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Al-Kindi Company/Veterinary Research Laboratory (VRL)
Location
Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Source of fermenters for Al-Hakam; training of Technical Research Center (TRC) personnel on fermentation line
Details
Iraq declares that Hakam acquired and installed VRL’s fermentation line only in late 1988. However, documents provided by Iraq indicated consideration of its use in situ at the VRL, and spare parts for this line were ordered by the BW program beginning in late May 1988. Eight mobile double-jacketed tanks were part of the VRL line transferred to Hakam.
Other Information
...The Salman Pak BW facility was assessed to be the primary facility in the Iraqi BW program. Other facilities were the...Abu Ghurayb BW Production facility Al-Kindi.... Additional information on these facilities can be found in the attached documents....[Appendix I]...Abu Ghurayb Vaccine Plant, Al Kindi 33-l8-28N/044-15-49, probable site of botulinum toxin production...[Appendix II BW Targets Attacked During Desert Storm]...Abu Ghurayb BW Production 3318N 04412E [approximate date of attack] 3 February 1991.
Source GulfLINK, “Information on Iraq's Biological Warfare Program,” Armed Forces Medical Intelligence, 12 November 1993, File 008me.93d12.
...Al-Kindi Company//Geocoord 3318N04411E; http://www.otcentral.com/forum/oldattachments//. (field comment also referred to as the Abu Ghurayb Suspect BW Facility.) During Operation Desert Storm, [deleted], a laboratory building was destroyed by Coalition bombing.
Source GulfLINK, “Suspect BW Sites in Iraq,” Joint Staff Washington, October 1991, File 961031_950719_60210003_92d.txt.
...Iraq was producing biological warfare (BW) agents at the Salman Pak BW facility, located approximately 32km southeast of Baghdad. Other sites suspected of producing BW agents were the Taji Facility just north of Baghdad, the Abu Ghurayb Vaccine Plant, Al-Kindi in the west Baghdad suburbs, and a plant at Latifiyah, within the Al QaQa Military Complex just southwest of Baghdad.
Source GulfLINK, “Responses to Rep. Kennedy's Questions of 22 February 1994,” DIA, March 1994, File 961031_950811_006me_94.txt.
...Al-Kindi Company, Abu Ghraib—We believe this to be the supplied clostridium vaccine plant located in Abu Ghraib. The Coalition forces destroyed this facility during the war. The plant was probably the site of botulinum production.
Source GulfLINK, "Iraq BW/CW," CIA, n.d., File cia_65717_65717_01.txt.
...During the last five years, the Iraqis have initiated two projects. Both of these are the construction of plants for veterinary vaccine production. The first is the Foot and Mouth Disease Institute at Daura//Geographic Coordinates 33-49N/044-42E//Iraq. This project has been openly carried out from its inception. The other project was the construction of a clostridial veterinary vaccine plant. After two years of work, all references to this project vanished. [deleted]. This facility is said to have eight fermenters of various volumes with a total capacity of 13,000 liters. How it is run and what it produces are unknown. It is very distinct from the legitimate human vaccine plant in Abu Ghraib (coordinates unknown). The veterinary faculty of Baghdad University is located at Abu Ghraib. Vaccine research is carried out there. BW applicable topics are carried out at several science centers including the college of agriculture research.
Source GulfLINK, “Biological Warfare Production and Use,” Joint Chiefs of Staff, June 1988, File 961031_950719_22010883_88a.txt.
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Al-Manal/Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine (FMDV) Facility - Daura
Location
Daura, south of Baghdad, 20 km from city center
Short Descriptor
Production of botulinum toxin and, possibly, Bacillus anthracis
Details
In September 1990, the FMDV was taken over by Technical Research Center (TRC) to produce botulinum toxin for weapons; the site was renamed Al-Manal. Documentary evidence is available indicating that the facility was definitely acquired and 5000 liters of botulinum toxin were produced. The initial intention was that FMD production at the facility would not be interrupted but, because of the imperative of agent production towards the end of 1990, the six fermenters and ancillary equipment were also taken over and botulinum toxin produced. Production took place from November 1990 to 15 January 1991. The site was also used to conduct research on viral warfare agents including hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, human rotavirus, and camelpox.
UNSCOM assesses that the Iraq’s statements regarding Al-Manal’s role in botulinum toxin production and virus research may be correct. However, it should be noted that UNSCOM cannot exclude the production of Agent B (Bacillus anthracis) from facilities other than Hakam based on analytical evidence of Agent B spores found in equipment (one fermenter, two tanks) located at the FMDV facility. Iraq’s alternate explanation regarding this evidence is not credible.
Additional Information
...Another large production facility at Al-Manal (south of Baghdad near the Baghdad broadcast station) is involved in the production of microscopic viruses. [sic] Although the facility was damaged during the Gulf War, production activity is being carried out in three large buildings equipped with four 2,200-liter fermentation tanks...
Source GulfLINK, “Status of Biological Weapons,” CIA, August 1991, file cia_62856_62856_01.txt.
...Kamil repeated that the hemorrhagic fever virus was developed at the Foot and Mouth Center located at Dawra. Husayn Kamil strongly implied that he knew, but would not say, what type of hemorrhagic fever virus the Iraqis had developed.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraq's Non-Use of Chemical Weapons,” CIA, August 1995, File 070296_cia_74531_74531_01.txt.
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Mansuriyah Abandoned Railroad Tunnel
Location
Mansuriyah, 75km NE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Declared storage/deployment site for BW missile warheads
Details
Iraq’s full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) states that 10 Al-Hussein warheads (aflatoxin fill) were deployed to this location.
Other Information
...Al Mansuriyah storage facility BW munitions have been stored at this site.
Source GulfLINK, “BW Stored,” CIA, June 1991, File cia_62841_62841_01.txt.
...The Al Mansuriyah storage facility contains 20 bunkered storage buildings built into a hillside.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW Facilities,” CIA, June 1991, File cia_62845_62845_01.txt.
...Al Mansuriyah Storage Facility This storage facility consists of about 20 bunkered storage buildings built into a hillside. We believe that some of these buildings stored BW agents in the past. We now would expect that any BW munitions would be stored underground at this site.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW/CW 1991,” CIA, n.d., File cia_65717_65717_01.txt.
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Al-Meshada
Location
Taji, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Storage surplus R-400 bombs; stated role may be correct
Details
n/a
Other Information
n/a
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Military Industrial Commission (MIC), Naval and Aerial Bombs Section
Location
Unknown
Short Descriptor
Weapons research (aerial bomb reverse-engineering?)
Details
Since 1987, Iraq began pilot/industrial-production of BW agents. Iraq denies parallel development of delivery weapons. They declare the policy was to evaluate whether weapons developed for CW use were applicable for BW. It is difficult to accept no BW specific weapons program during the late 1980s, possibly in the MIC Naval and Aerial Bombs section. Within this section, Iraq had specialists dedicated to the reverse-engineering of foreign-produced bombs.
Other Information
n/a
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Mohammediyat Test Site
Location
SW of Muthana, 150km west of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
BW test site
Details
Beginning in March 1988, Iraq tested several BW munitions at Mohammediyat, including LD-250 bombs, R-400 bombs, and 122mm rockets. Agents involved were Clostridium botulinum toxin, Bacillus subtilis (simulant) and aflatoxin. Tests dates included March 1988, July 1988, November 1989, December 1989, and September 1990.
Other Information
n/a
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Muthana State Establishment
Location
80km NW of Baghdad and 50km SW of Samarra
Short Descriptor
Very large establishment; involved in BW research and weapons filling; primarily a CW site
Details
The status of BW activities is unclear in the five to six years after the liquidation of the Al Hazen Institute in 1979. According to the testimony of Lt. Gen. Nizar Attar, Director of Muthana, BW was introduced into Muthana objectives in 1983. It appears that BW research began at Muthana in February 1985 when Dr. Rihab Taha transferred to the site from the University of Baghdad. Taha organized a BW research group of 10 people in the Toxics Evaluation Group at Muthana, although actual laboratory work probably began in late 1985. Iraq declares that the work done at Muthana from 1985-1987 was a basic program for Bacillus anthracis spores and botulinum toxin only, which was restricted to laboratory production, characterization, and storage. However, DIALOG searches for Clostridum perfringens were conducted in May and July 1985. Aerosol dissemination studies were undertaken in 1987, with small animals exposed. In the early days of the program based at Muthana (and Salman Pak), small quantities of media (tens of kilograms) were purchased through the State Enterprise for Pesticides Production (SEPP) for use in research and pilot production.
From May to July 1987, the biology group was transferred from Al-Muthana to Salman, although Munthana continued activities in the BW field, including collaboration with Salman in laboratory and field experiments. For example, in 1989, studies on ricin, along with augmenting aflatoxin with smut, CS, CN, (riot agents) and mustard were undertaken. Muthana also assisted in setting up the November 1990 field trial. Iraq denies any relationship between genetic engineering undertaken through Hakam with the genetic engineering section of Muthana housed at the Serum and Vaccine Institute at Amiriyah (under the direction of Dr. Al-Za’ag).
Muthana was also the site for the filling of R-400 bombs and Al-Hussein warheads with BW agents. The weapons were assembled at Hakam.
Other Information
...Al Muthana State Establishment at Samarra was established in 1985 from a pesticide production plant that had been established by Iraqi intelligence in 1982. Al Muthana fell directly under control of the Military Industrial Corporation (MIC). The director was Brigadier Faiez (Shaheen), who was also director of Samarra Medicine Industries (source comment The Samarra Medicine Industries may be involved in biological research...)
Source GulfLINK, “Overview of Iraqi Weapons Industry Establishments,” File 123096_17780146_91a_0001.txt.
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Nassr State Establishment
Location
Taji, 10km north of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
R-400 bomb manufacture
Details
The Nasser Establishment for Mechanical Industries is a large machine tool and metal working facility, heavily involved in the Scud modification efforts, including forging and flow forming of rocket motor cases and hydrostatic testing. Also involved in mechanical assembly of solid propellants.
Other Information
n/a
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Nibai
Location
35km NW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
BW missile warhead “unilateral destruction” site
Details
Iraq asserts that all 25 BW warheads were unilaterally destroyed at specific locations at Al-Nibai desert in July 1991. To verify the full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD), the Commission in 1998 took samples from the remnants of agent warhead containers excavated from various locations at Al-Nibai. The results of the analyses do not support the statements made in Iraq’s FFCD. Traces of Bacillus anthracis spores have been identified on remnants of containers from at least seven distinct missile warheads as opposed to the five declared. There are discrepancies between UNSCOM assessments and Iraq’s account of where groups of warheads containing particular BW agents were destroyed. This throws doubt on the accounts of weapons filling, deployment, and subsequent destruction.
In response to this evidence, in July 1998, Iraq changed its account of BW warhead and other munitions filling. It stated to a Commission team that, instead of the declared five Bacillus anthracis spore and 16 botulinum toxin warheads, there had been in fact 16 Bacillus anthracis spores and five botulinum toxin missile warheads. Iraq insisted that this change in disclosure would not affect Iraq’s declaration on the total quantity of BW agents produced and weaponized. These changes also included alterations to the numbers of R-400 aerial bombs filled with either Bacillus anthracis spores or botulinum toxin. Iraq did not present any supporting documents or other specific evidence to substantiate the new statement. In the original account, Iraq emphatically asserted that all 10 weapons in the Al-Mansuriyah railway tunnel were filled with Bacillus anthracis spores and only later was this changed to botulinum toxin.
Other Information
Iraq’s current declaration states that on 8 July 1991 at 1000 p.m., 15 special missile warheads arrived at Nibai and were destroyed there on 9 July 1991. To support this claim, Iraq presented a document (picture 1). In order to verify this declaration, UNSCOM checked the available aerial photography of Nibai. As the picture shows, on 9 July 1991, no warheads were present and no destruction activity took place at the declared site (picture 2). This puts UNSCOM in a difficult position Should it accept inaccurate declarations?
Source Notes from UNSCOM Briefings to UN Security Council, 3-4 June 1998, <http//cns.miis.edu/research/iraq/jn98uni.htm>.
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Numan Factory
Location
Baghdad area
Short Descriptor
Manufacture of fermenter components; part of Al-QaQa establishment
Details
n/a
Other Information
n/a
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Project 144
Location
Taji camp
Short Descriptor
BW weapons development; 122mm rockets and Al-Hussein warheads
Details
While it was involved in a number of missile-related projects, Project 144 primarily worked on Iraq’s Scud modification efforts. Its main location was at the Taji site.
Other Information
n/a
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Al-Qa Qa State Establishment
Location
Latifiyah, 40km SW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
A large explosives and chemical production facility
Details
BW scientists were sent to QaQa to explore the possibility of land mine use with biological agents; no mines were found suitable.
Other Information
...Al Hakim probably refers to the Latifiyah/Al Musayyab region south of Baghdad. Latifiyah is the nearest town to the Al Qa’Qa State Establishment, Iraq’s major production facility for explosives and missile propellant. There is at least one suspect BW facility in the Al Qa’Qa area, and it was heavily damaged during the war.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW,” CIA, May 1991, File cia_62835_62835_01.txt.
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Rasheed Airbase
Location
Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Pilotless MiG-21 drop tank tests
Details
Iraq’s development concept was to produce a MiG-21 aircraft that could take off and fly on a pre-set flight path without a pilot on board. The plane would carry a drop-tank containing BW agent. After a preset time, the valves on the tank would open and disseminate the agent. The aircraft would continue to fly until it ran out of fuel. One experiment was undertaken on 10 January 1991 at the Rasheed Airbase. The reason given for dropping the project was intervention of the 1991 war.
No clear evidence of the termination of the program. It is known that such work continues, although for a different stated purpose (targets for anti-aircraft artillery). The attempts to dissociate the MiG-21 project from the development of aircraft spray tanks has not been convincingly explained.
Other Information
n/a
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Serum and Vaccine Institute
also referred to as “Al-Muthana Genetic Engineering Unit”
Location
Amiriyah, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Storage of BW seed stocks; genetic engineering
Details
In 1990, additional BW research locations were obtained at the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Institute at Daura and apparently the Agriculture and Water Resources Center at Fudhaliyah. Research on viruses was started by Dr. Hazem Ali and genetic engineering with Ali Nuria Abdel Hussein. The logic and intent for the selection of camelpox virus, hemorrhagic conjunctivitis virus, and rotavirus are not stated in the full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD). The objectives for the genetic engineering unit are not elaborated upon, although the testimony of Dr. Rihab Taha has indicated that, initially, antibiotic resistant strains of Bacillus anthracis spores were to have been derived. Any relationship with that of the genetic engineering section of Al-Muthanna housed at the Serum and Vaccine Institute at Amiriyah under the direction of Dr. Al-Za’ag is denied by the Iraqis.
UNSCOM assesses that the declared role for the facility may be correct.
Other Information
...Summary [deleted] Several sites in Iraq with the capability to produce and store BW weapons. Although the capability exists, no evidence of current production or storage was found. Enclosures. Text 1. Background [deleted] suspected biological warfare sites. Among the sites were the Al-Kindi company, An-Najaf, Taji, the Serum and Vaccine institute, the Agriculture Research and Water Resources Center, and the Ibn Haithan institute....
Source GulfLINK, “Suspect BW Sites in Iraq,” DIA, October 1991, File 961031_950719_60210003_92d.txt.
....Iraqi BW Facilities... 9. Sera and Vaccine Institute, Baghdad. [deleted?]
It is probably the Abu Ghraib Serum and Vaccine plant. In the summer of 1990, this facility attempted to purchase a strain of anthrax from a UK firm.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW,” CIA, June 1991, File cia_62839_62839_01.txt.
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Space Research Center
Location
Campus of University of Baghdad (Jaderiyah complex)
Short Descriptor
Involved in development of Meteo-1 delivery system
Details
As an apparent alternative to proximity fusing, Iraq launched a development program known as “Meteo-1,” in which it sought to use parachutes to retard the speed of its ballistic missile warheads. In 1988, the Iraqis imported a parachute device with the capability to decelerate a supersonic missile payload. The device consisted of a series of three chutes that opened at different altitudes. The Iraqis claim that this parachute system was intended for recovery of photographic equipment used to record missile airframe instabilities during flight. Possible BW delivery device.
Source McCarthy and Tucker, “Saddam’s Toxic Arsenal,” in Sagan, Lavoy and Wirtz, eds., Planning the Unthinkable New Powers and Their Doctrines for Using Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons (forthcoming), pp. 108-109.
Other Information
n/a
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State Establishment for Mechanical Engineering
also referred to as “State Establishment for Mechanical Industries”
Location
Iskanderiah, 30km south of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Destruction of mobile storage tanks
Details
The 1996, full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) states that two mobile tanks were destroyed at Al-Azzizziyah, and 22 were cut up and disposed at Iskanderiah. The number has not been stated in the 1997 FFCD.
Other Information
n/a
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Store No. 6
Location
Misbah, Baghdad (near German embassy)
Short Descriptor
Declared as temporary storage site for growth media
Details
Store No. 6 is a warehouse owned by the State Establishment for Drugs and Medical Appliances. Iraq claims that, after 1991, 11 tons of media from a TSMID import were moved from Al-Adil (another storage site) to Store No. 6. The story is unverified.
Other Information
n/a
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Supergun
Location
Jabal Hamrayn, 200km north of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Development of long-range artillery, possibly for BW projectiles
Details
The Iraqi Supergun program was developing long-range projectiles for both 350mm and 1,000mm caliber weapons. The drawings of various designs for the 350mm device depict a projectile with a guidance and control section, control surfaces on the fins, and a payload of around 20kg. Plans existed for a 1,000mm caliber weapon that would have had a longer range, and a payload greater than 100kg. Iraq denies that there was any connection between the BW program and that of the Supergun. This project, like the BW and CW programs, was managed solely by the Military Industrial Corporation (MIC). Like the BW project, no objective or planning has been acknowledged. The development of this weapon system was well advanced, with several sites being used and plans prepared for new and more versatile weapons. The intended purpose of this weapon has not been revealed. A long-range delivery system, with its guided projectile, capable of delivering relatively modest payloads suggests the use of very potent warheads, such as CW or BW agents, or even radioactive material. The range and payload delivery are of a similar order to those of the Al-Hussein. Without a more comprehensive disclosure by Iraq, the possibility that this weapon was being developed for the delivery of a BW payload cannot be ruled out.
Other Information
The first prototype was seen by UN inspectors at Jabal Hamrayn, 200km north of Baghdad. The Supergun consisted of a single prototype of a 350mm gun for trials purposes and two prototypes of a 1000mm gun. The 350mm gun started firing trials several years ago and was used only for ballistic research. It was discovered assembled on the side of a mountain but had not been used for some time. Walter Somers of the United Kingdom supplied 120m of 350mm diameter tubing to Iraq with deliveries running from mid-1988 to early 1989. At Iskandariyah, UN inspectors found a number of components for the 100mm diameter Supergun stored in the open. UK firm Forgemasters was awarded a contract to supply 52 sections of 1000mm diameter pipe, but the last eight were prevented from being shipped to Iraq by UK customs. Two separate Superguns had been planned, each 52m long, but were not assembled. In addition to the sections, which were held together by steel bolts, parts of the recoil system and breech were also discovered.
Source “Exposing the Secrets of Jabal Hamrayn,” Christopher F. Foss, Jane’s Defence Weekly, 14 September 1991, Vol. 16, No. 11, pg. 458.
In 1990, British customs investigators with Christopher Cowley (one of several SRC-International staff assigned to the project) understood that there were two barrel systems involved in Project Babylon the 39-inch tube, and a smaller, 350mm version. With a 27.5-m barrel, “Baby Babylon” would have been capable of hurling a heavy shell several hundred miles. In a conversation aired 13 February 1991 by CBS’s French-language public affairs program “Le Point,” Cowley told interviewer Ann-Marie Dussault that the 39-inch gun was to be stationed on a mountainside in northern Iraq, in a location about 70 km northwest of Mosul. Strongly denying any weaponry use for Babylon, Cowley said that it would be pointed south, to fire research shells into a test zone in north-central Saudi Arabia. The distance between the given firing point and the target zone measures out at approximately 470 miles.
Source “Shadow of a Gunman The Rise and Fall of a Scorned Patriot,” Macleans, 22 April 1991, p. 46.
...Source was asked if he had any knowledge of the so-called “supergun,” and he replied that he had heard about a “gun of the depths” from western media reports.
Source GulfLINK, “Source Debriefing,” DIA, 1991, File 970613_60720048_91d_txt_0001.txt.
...The 350mm projectile for the Supergun is intended for use with BW agents. [deleted?] Based on calculations we have done for Iraq’s Scud-type missiles, we estimate that this quantity of anthrax spores could, under ideal circumstances and meteorological conditions, lethally contaminate an area of several hundred square kilometers.
Source GulfLINK, “Effect of Patriot Intercept,” CIA, n.d., File 071596_cia_75636_75636_01.txt.
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Taji Single Cell Protein Plant
Location
Within Taji oil refining, natural gas complex, 15km NW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Production of botulinum toxin
Details
Taji Single Cell Protein (SCP) plant was established in 1979 under Professor Hindawi. Production stopped in 1983. Subsequently, Taji SCP plant was acquired by Technical Research Center (TRC) in August 1987; the 450-liter fermenter was converted to botulinum toxin production, which ran through 1988. Thereafter, the fermenter was moved to Al-Hakam. Media for early 1988 production runs is said to be acquired locally. Some 240 liters (10-fold concentrate) of botulinum toxin were produced at the Taji SCP facility.
Other Information
According to the available information, the Iraqi biological project was initiated in the early eighties and was conducted by several installations, including the Al-Hazzan Institute in Salman Pak. In addition to this facility, the project involved a number of additional installations, none of which were mentioned by the Iraqis in this connection. The installations are...B. The Single-Cell Protein (SCP) production facility in Taji...
Source GulfLINK, “Biological Weapons,” CIA, September 1991, File 062096_cia_65657_65641_01.txt.
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Tariqa Bin Ziad Camp
Location
Midway between Fallujah and Baghdad on the Baghdad-Ramadi road
Short Descriptor
Location of CW/BW defense training center operated by the Fallujah General Headquarters Department and the Chemical Weapons Branch of the Iraqi Army
Details
n/a
Other Information
With regard to collective training for chemical units, a huge and modern program was established called the Chemical Training Center located in Tariqa Bin Ziad camp near Baghdad on the Ramadi-Baghdad road. It is an extremely large unit equipped with the most precise modern chemical equipment. The center’s responsibility is to handle the consequences of chemical, nuclear, and biological strikes. Inside the center, strikes are conducted with real or simulated material. Large army units on the level of brigade, including a division, go in to be exposed to the conditions of a real or simulated chemical strike to train them in protective measures against the effects of a strike and in attacks and defensive measures during these conditions. The center has decontamination stations that cooperate in training exercises for the chemical battalion unit of the neighboring area. The center is directly affiliated with the chemical branch directorate and includes more than 400 members, including an officer, branch officer, and a soldier, all of them chemical specialists. Observation and summary Chemical training in the units is planned by the chemical branch unit and implemented by army units. It is directed and monitored by the chemical branch directorate, which prepares regular reports for the general command. Each unit trains no fewer than two times per week, an average of two hours each time, i.e., an average of three hours per week in protective measures from the effect of an attack with weapons of mass destruction.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi Chemical Warfare,” CIA, February 1991, File cia_65142_65142_01.txt.
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Technical Research Center
Location
Salman, SE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Special Security Organization-controlled entity; administratively controls the BW program starting in 1987
Details
The Technical Research Center (TRC) was established in 1985 under an Iraqi intelligence agency, to which part of the BW program was added in 1987. According to Iraq’s account, the involvement of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) in the BW program ceased with the transfer of the biology group from Al-Muthanna to the TRC, which was under the control of the Military Industrial Commission (MIC). Iraq asserts this MOD link was only re-established specifically for the deployment of weapons in January 1991. The explanation given is that MIC had a higher status than the MOD and was a self-contained entity that could progress from initiation to deployment of weapons without outside input.
Iraq states that the Director-General of the TRC reported to Hussein Kamel as head of the State Security Organ (SSO), rather than the MIC. In spite of this, Iraq denied any interaction between the BW program and any Iraqi intelligence agencies.
In mid-1987, a group of biology researchers left Al-Muthanna to continue research within TRC at Al-Salman and to support biological weapons tests.... The Commission assesses that the transfer of the BW work from Al-Muthanna to Al-Salman (TRC) was to preserve secrecy.... The establishment of the BW research group at Al-Salman in 1987 is accepted as stated, although the means by which it was established and managed is far from clear. The relationship of the program within TRC to other organizations is also unclear.
Zubaidy device An aerosol generator for the dispersal of biological warfare agents or toxins was developed by the TRC at Salman Pak by modification of helicopter-borne commercial chemical insecticide disseminators. These modified aerosol generators are assessed as suitable for the dissemination of BW agents from helicopters or slow moving fixed-wing aircraft and are referred to as Zubaidy devices.
Other Information
...However, in March 1987, when Saddam ordered the increase in chemical agent research and production, [Defense Minister] Adnan drew the line on biological agents. He had strong views concerning the wisdom of embarking on such a path, and refused to allow this work to take place at Muthana. [SSO and MIC director] Hussein Kamel fought Adnan on this issue and lost. As a result, Rihab Taha and her team joined a special unit run by the SSO called the Technical Research Center, or TRC. The TRC was involved in a wide number of intelligence support activities, including the use of biological agents in covert operations. Hussein Kamel now had control of Iraq’s biological weapons program, and began large-scale construction to build new research facilities to the liking of Taha.
Source Scott Ritter, Endgame Solving the Iraq Problem - Once and for All (New York Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 87.
...In 1987, MIMI transferred Dr. Taha’s biological R&D program to a laboratory complex at Salman Pak, south of Baghdad, which already was doing research on BW for covert use by the Iraqi Intelligence Service. There the program came under the Forensic Research Department of the TRC...
Source Timothy McCarthy and Jonathan Tucker, “Saddam’s Toxic Arsenal,” in Sagan, Lavoy and Wirtz, eds., Planning the Unthinkable New Powers and Their Doctrines for Using Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons (forthcoming), p. 98.
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Tharthar Storage Site
Location
SE corner of Lake Tharthar, 75km northwest of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Interim storage/deployment site for Al-Hussein warheads with biological agent fill
Details
n/a
Other Information
Summary This report identifies possible Iraqi biological warfare agent testing site in the area of Lake Tharthar near the Samarra CBW production and storage facility. [deleted] Text 1. A small military base is located at the southeast end of Lake Tharthar (Geocoord 34-00N/43-20E). [deleted] The fifteen kilometers between Samarra CBW complex and Lake Tharthar is mostly mud bog, and is difficult to reach. [deleted] Comments (c) (field comment) - [deleted] The area where the base was located would be ideal for conducting agent tests because of its isolation and on [deleted] the area might be used for such tests.
Source GulfLINK, “Possible Biological Agents,” ITNTREP 91-326, DIA-Joint Staff, January 1991, File 960525_27210046.91r.txt.
Summary An alleged biological warfare test site in southeastern Iraq was dismantled in May or June 1990. A new test site may be located near Lake Tharthar, IZ, and could be connected with the Samarra chemical production facility, Iraq. enclosure. [deleted] 3. another possible BW test site may be located in the area due west of Samarra (34-12-00N/43-52-21E), IZ, on the east side of Lake Tharthar, IZ, in the vicinity of Wadi Abu Assah-wadiyan Hasabiyat (34-20N/43-14E), IZ. [deleted] the northeast portion of the facility has reportedly been earmarked for biological warfare research and development. However, it is unknown why the Iraqis would choose to conduct BW testing near Lake Tharthar and risk contaminating the water supply for the surrounding region.
Source GulfLINK, “Possible Biological Agents (IIR 2 762 0230 90/Closing of an Alleged Biological Warfare Test Site in Southeastern Iraq and a Possible New Site Near Lake TharThar, IZ, Being Established),” ITNTREP 91-326, DIA, August 1990
File 960525_27620230.90.txt.
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Tigris Canal
Location
80 km WNW of Baghdad, near Fallujah
Short Descriptor
BW missile warhead deployment/storage
Details
Iraq states that some 15 Al-Hussein warheads filled with biological agent were stored/deployed at this location. According to the Iraqis, the choice of the site was made by Muthana State Establishment (warhead filling site) and Unit 224 (Al Hussein force) because of its proximity to 224 headquarters (30-minute drive) and its “concealment” properties. Two days prior to the actual movement of the warheads, a team from the First Missile Maintenance Unit constructed about 20, one meter-deep pits spaced ten meters apart. Iraq states that not every pit was used for fear of a possible air attack destroying all the warheads in one strike. Warheads were placed in the pits, covered with tarps secured by sandbags, and covered with sand; the entire operation took approximately two hours. A tent was erected for 15-20 guard troops, although no telephone or radio communications links were established. Every day, a member of the guard force traveled to Unit 224 headquarters at Taji to get his orders. [Note Unit 224 had field headquarters during the war.] In addition, a Technical Research Center (TRC) representative traveled to the site every two-three days to check on the condition of the warheads.
Other Information
n/a
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University of Baghdad
Location
Baghdad (Jadiriyah complex)
Short Descriptor
Procurement of BW equipment (as front organization); BW research (?)
Details
In February 1985, BW research started at Al-Muthanna involving Dr. Rihab Taha. Iraq provided documents citing her transfer from the University of Baghdad to Al-Muthanna.
In 1985, Iraq acquires BW agents and simulants. In 1985, 1986, and 1988, a range of agents required to support the program were acquired or attempted to be acquired, from a number of foreign sources, including the American Type Tissue Collection (ATCC) and Pasteur Institute. Local acquisition also occurred. The 12 May declaration provides the year of import, using the University of Baghdad as a cover.
Other Information
...Work on the physiology of clostridia bacteria was begun at the University of Baghdad...
Source GulfLINK, “Status and Background on Iraq Biological Warfare Program,” CIA, February 1992, File cia_70570_70570_01.txt.
...In the course of the first years of the project, the Iraqis were probably engaged in preliminary research and in the course of time, they formulated a list of priority biological agents for production as BW. For this purpose, bacteria strains were purchased by the University of Baghdad and Technical and Scientific Materials Import Division (TSMID), which operated jointly as procurement agents for the project. The list included the following strains 1. Bacillus anthracis; 2. Clostridium botulinum (types a, e, f); 3. Francisella tularensis; 4. Brucella abortus; 5. B. melitensis; 6. Clostridium perfringens...
Source GulfLINK, “Biological Weapons,” September 1991, File 062096_cia_65657_65641_01.txt.
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University of Technology
Location
Southwest Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Design and construction of Hakam
Details
Includes Engineering Affairs and Engineering Consultant bureaus. Involved in developing concept and technical specifications for “Project 900” (Hakam).
Other Information
n/a
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Walid Airbase
also referred to as “H-3 Airfield”
Location
50km from Al-Rutbah
Short Descriptor
Major Iraqi airbase; possible BW bomb deployment site
Details
Iraq declares that some 600 R-400 bombs with chemical fill (GB/GF) were deployed to this location in July 1991. However, in October 1991, UNSCOM discovered two R-400 bombs with certain physical characteristics (such as black stripes) indicating they were of the biological type. At the time, Iraq claimed these also were chemical bombs.
http//www.nti.org/e_research/e1_iraq_BWfacilities.html
The following interactive map and associated text provide locations and detailed descriptions of sites and facilities that comprised Iraq's biological weapon (BW) program circa 1991. The current status of these facilities is unclear. The list does not include sites with BW potential (such as breweries) that the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) monitored during the years it was in Iraq.
Data found under the Location heading provide the approximate geographic position for each site, while data in the Short Descriptor heading list the key (though not necessarily all) BW activities at that site. Information found under Details is derived from UNSCOM documents as well as interviews with UN and other experts. This section provides background and more extensive activity details. Finally, Other Information includes data found in declassified U.S. government documents available at the GulfLink web site (http//www.gulflink.osd.mil/), along with other published material.
Open interactive map showing Iraqi biological weapons (BW) sites.
Abou Obeydi Airbase
also referred to as “Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah/117”
Location
SW of Al-Kut
Short Descriptor
Test site for drop tank dispersion tests; deployment site for Mirage F-1 and prototype drop tank; buried bulk agent storage tanks
Details
In September 1995, Iraq declared the existence of two projects using aircraft drop tanks—2000-liter capacity—for BW agent dissemination, one using the Mirage F-1, the other a MiG-21. The Mirage project began in November 1990 when a prototype (from a modified tank) was manufactured and a series of trials undertaken at Abou Obeydi Airbase. Apparently, three tests were conducted two in December 1990 and one on 13 January 1991. Just before the Gulf War began, the Mirage, with the prototype tank attached, was left in a shelter at Abou Obeydi. Iraq states the shelter was bombed and the Mirage and the drop tank were destroyed by fire.
Iraq’s plan was to modify 12 tanks. Work on the project continued throughout the war (the only BW weapon system that continued in development after the war started), with a stated three completed by March 1991, the work having been done at several establishments. Iraq declared that the three drop tanks were “unilaterally destroyed” in the summer of 1991; remains of three such tanks were inspected by UNSCOM. However, while extensive piles of damaged aircraft were located at Abou Obeydi, the Mirage with the prototype drop tank has not been identified.
Iraq claimed for two years that the drop tanks were intended to deliver Bacillus anthracis spores; Bacillus subtilis spores were used as a simulant in a test. However, Iraq reversed its statement at the Vienna Technical Evaluation Meeting (TEM) by claiming that botulinum toxin was the intended agent.
In addition, two mobile storage tanks for bulk BW agents, each with a capacity of 1000 liters, were found buried at the Al-Azzizziyah outstation of Abou Obeydi.
Other Information
The site was struck several times during the Gulf War.
...Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah Airfield This airfield is approximately 7km southwest of Kut al Amarah and 150km southeast of Baghdad on the south bank of the Tigris River. It houses the [deleted] intercept squadron equipped with the AM-39 Exocet-ASM-capable Mirage F.1, a second Mirage F.1 squadron, and one MiG-21 (Fishbed) fighter squadron.
Source Gulf Link, “Summary of Iraqi Chemical Warfare Activity,” September 1990, CIA, file 110296_cia_93671_72545_01.txt.
...The following 12-frame refrigerated bunkers [are] capable of storing BW agents and “S”-shaped bunkers [deleted] Storage are listed in recommended priority order for attack...[deleted] Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah Afld, [deleted] two s-shaped bunkers....
Source GulfLINK, “Desert Storm Iraq’s Chemical and Biological Warfare Facilities,” 28 January 1991, Respond to Task 3888, Pass to the ITF Ops Officer, file0139p6v.91d.
...[deleted], Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah, IZ, Coord 322915n/0454544e, [deleted]. Confirmed light damage to one of the Marage [sic] aircraft bunkers in area 2 [deleted]. This damage was sustained on 27 Jan 1991 during a previous attack but was not noted [deleted]. No damage was apparent to either of the chemical munitions storage bunkers....
Source GulfLINK, “Bomb Damage Assessment Cable,” 29 January 1991, DIA, file 961031_950719_72327114.txt.
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Agricultural and Water Research Station (Al-Safah)
also referred to as “Al-Safah, Fudhaliyah site”
Location
Fudhaliyah, east of Baghdad between Baghdad and Al A’zamiyah
Short Descriptor
Aflatoxin production claimed; aflatoxin and genetic engineering research
Details
Iraq declares that aflatoxin production began at Fudaliyah in January 1990, although oral testimony indicates the date is actually September 1990. The “Hakam report” indicates that Iraq produced 2200 liters of aflatoxin, but it does not specify the location of that production.
The site was also, possibly, an alternative headquarters for Technical Research Center (TRC; Salman Pak) during the Gulf War.
Other Information
...Another large production facility at Al-Manal (south of Baghdad near the Baghdad broadcast station) is involved in the production of viruses. Although this facility was damaged during the Gulf War, production activity is being carried out in three large buildings equipped with four 2,200-liter fermentation tanks. Fungus agents are being produced [at] a large facility of six buildings in Al-safa Al-Fadhaliya, east of Baghdad....
Source GulfLINK, “Status of Biological Weapons; Country Iraq; Subj Reorganization of the Ministry of Industry and Military Industrialization,” August 1991 (date of information, early August 1991), CIA, file cia_62856_62856_01.txt.
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Agricultural Aviation Division/Khan Bani Sa'ad Aerodrome
Location
25km NE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Test site for helicopter-borne aerosol generator (Zubaidy device)
Details
The Technical Research Center (TRC) at Salman Pak developed an aerosol generator for the dispersal of BW agents or toxins by modifying helicopter-borne, commercial chemical insecticide disseminators. The system was known as the “Zubaidy device.” Iraq has made no declaration as to the number of aerosol generators produced, although it now claims that the devices were “inconsequential.” A document submitted by Iraq reported the successful field testing—at the Khan Bani Sa’ad aerodrome—of these devices in August 1988 to spray Bacillus subtilis spores. In addition, UNSCOM has evidence of a parallel development by TRC of a similar device, probably for delivery by drones. Iraq officially denies all knowledge of this second device.
Other Information
n/a
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Airfield 37
also referred to as “Al Muhammadi/122 Airfield”
Location
Near Ramadi, 100km west of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Possible storage/deployment site for BW-type R-400 bombs
Details
Iraq declares that some BW-type R-400 bombs were stored/deployed at this location [note Iraq also filled R-400 bombs with chemical agent]. UNSCOM discovered R-400 bombs at the site, although it found no evidence of BW-type weapons at the location.
Other Information
...K-3 Airfield (Haditha; Air Strip 37) BW Munitions have been stored at this facility...
Source GulfLINK, “BW Stored,” n.d., CIA, file cia_62841_62841_01.txt.
...There are 75 biological weapons of agents A, B, and C hidden near Airstrip 37, located northeast of the Al-Muhammadi Airbase. These are 90-liter bombs buried one meter underground. Also buried one meter underground are two tanks of liquid spore (possibly agent B). Unable to identify the agents. Previous reporting referred to the agents as 1, 2, and 3.
Source GulfLINK, “Status of BW,” CIA, August 1991, file cia_62856_62856_01.txt.
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Al-Amiriyah, House
Location
Al-Amiriyah section, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
First location for the Al-Hazen Institute (BW research)
Details
Preliminary R&D site for Al-Hazen Institute. UNSCOM assesses that this may be correct although Iraq has provided neither a diagram nor a rationale for this site.
Other information
n/a
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Asma’a School
Location
Hindaya, south of Mussayeb
Short Descriptor
Media, equipment, supplies, and records evacuation site
Details
Iraq’s full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) identifies two losses of media prior to the first BW inspection. The first was said to have occurred during the evacuation of Al-Hakam and the relocation of its headquarters to Al-Asma’a school about 30km away. It is stated that equipment important to the functioning of departments was moved to the school on 22-23 January 1991. Included was an unknown quantify of media of various, but unidentified types. At some time before the return to Hakam in May 1991, Iraq claims the school was broken into and some items stolen and damaged including some of the media.
Iraq states that no investigation of the loss occurred and that the amounts and types of media cannot now be recalled. The figures in the material balance table of the FFCD indicate that more than 900kg of media were “lost,” including more than 700kg of peptone, which is relevant to Clostridium perfringens (Agent G) production. There would appear to be no basis for these figures other than a calculation designed to account for all the media, i.e., so that the material balance equals zero.
UNSCOM has reason to believe that no media were stored at the schoolhouse and that none were stolen. Documents support the belief that it served as an alternative site.
Other Information
n/a
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Azzizziyah Airfield
Location
80km SE of Baghdad (actual destruction near Azzizziyah Airfield)
Short Descriptor
R-400 deployment site; R-400A and R-400 destruction site. Also, Iraq declares that two agent mobile storage tanks were destroyed at this site.
Details
n/a
Other Information
n/a
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Dabash Stores
Location
Western section of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Storage site for growth media
Details
Stores facility owned by Kimadiya Company. Media from BW program stored at site 1991-96. Iraq acknowledges role of site. Media destroyed by UNSCOM in 1996.
Other Information
n/a
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Euphrates
Location
River bank adjacent to Hakam facility
Short Descriptor
Recovery site of six R-400 bombs and one 155mm artillery shell.
Details
In December 1995, six R-400 bombs with physical characteristics (markings, epoxy lining on some of the bombs) indicating biological fill were recovered by UNSCOM at this site. Also found were two LD-250 bombs, two ALD-500 bombs, one ALD-500 bomb tail, one artillery shell (see below), one 122mm rocket warhead, and one filling frame. The significance of these discoveries lies in the fact that Iraq has claimed all filling of munitions was done at Muthana.
A single 155mm artillery shell was found at Iraq’s main BW production facility, Al-Hakam, recovered from the Euphrates. It was of the same type used for CW agents and contained water. Another smaller caliber shell was also found, which had been detonated. These shells were said to have been for evaluation. Four similar shells were used in a trial for the dissemination of the BW agent ricin. No further evidence has been found. It appears that these trials produced indifferent results, and they apparently were discontinued.
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Fao State Establishment
Location
Southeast Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Civil construction enterprise; design and construction center for al-Hakam
Details
Fao State Establishment is a civil construction unit that contributed to design and construction of numerous NBC and missile sites in Iraq. Formerly known as the Shamouk Establishment, it is subordinate to the Military Industrial Corporation (MIC). No information on Hakam-related activities provided by Iraq.
Other Information
n/a
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Faris Factory
Location
Al-Amiriyah, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Development of BW drop tanks
Details
No information provided by Iraq; not acknowledged as part of the program
Other Information
n/a
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Al-Hakam
Location
60km SW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Iraq’s key BW facility at the time of the Gulf War. Involved in research, production, weaponization, and (after the war) disposal of agent. Hakam produced both botulinum toxin and anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores on an industrial scale.
Details
Although the site was formally acquired on 24 March 1988, plans for the facility were completed in 1987. Iraq has acknowledged that Al-Hakam was built with the objectives of undertaking research and development together with industrial scale production of BW agents; the actual filling of weapons was considered for the future.
In 1988, Hakam was intended to accommodate three, five-cubic meter fermenters. According to an Iraqi document, two were planned to produced botulinum toxin and one was intended for Bacillus anthracis spores. In the event, the fermentation line from the Al-Kindi company was installed comprising seven 1480-liter fermenters and two 1850-liter fermenters (14,060 liter combined capacity). Assuming annual replenishment of agent, the initial annual capacity of the factory would be about 80,000 liters.
Agent was stored in a bunker and warehouse at Hakam. The hardened bunker was capable of housing some twenty 5000-liter containers, although just four are acknowledged as having been built; two were placed in the bunker and two in the warehouse. These containers were specifically designed for pathogen storage and subsequent sterilization. Hakam also had mobile containers of the 1000-liter capacity; at least 39 were manufactured in 1989 and 1990. The total planned storage was probably in the region of 80,000 to 100,000 liters of agent.
In October 1988, Iraq’s BW production staff moved from Al-Salman to Hakam (in early 1990, there was an additional transfer of staff). In 1989, much of the research group at Salman Pak was transferred to Hakam, where experiments on weapons-materials compatibility were undertaken, as well as quality control of BW agents. Also in 1989, Hakam began industrial-scale production of botulinum toxin; industrial-scale production of Bacillus anthracis spores began in September 1990. Weaponization of BW agents took place in December 1990 and January 1991. Some 340 liters of unweaponized Clostridium perfringens (causative agent of gas gangrene) were produced at Hakam.
Hakam was also the site of a trial in August 1990 to determine the size of the “booster charge” required to disperse agent for R-400 bombs. All attempts by Iraq to locate the exact site or to find any evidence of it have failed.
After 1991, Iraq maintained and expanded al-Hakam, although from that point on, Iraq asserts that the facility was used solely as a single cell protein (SCP) production plant. However, no serious attempts to produce SCP ever occurred. SCP was only produced in insignificant quantities as a camouflage, principally by harvesting SCP from brewers waste rather than de novo production from petroleum products. Individuals identified as key workers in Iraq’s BW program continued as members of the staff of Al-Hakam. In the years after 1991, Iraq attempted to obtain dual-purpose equipment including industrial-scale fermenters from within the country and abroad.
In May/June 1996, a Commission team (UNSCOM 134/BW 31) supervised the destruction of the extensive buildings, equipment, and materials. All structures and equipment at Al-Hakam, except for a few items, were explosively demolished and the remnants were buried.
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HQ Air Force Technical Depot
also referred to as “Technical Military Depot for the Air Force at Taji”
Location
Taji area; 15km NE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Drop tank storage, destruction (F-1 tank, not MiG tank)
Details
UNSCOM assesses that the stated role for this site may be correct.
[Note See Abou Obeydi entry for drop tank discussion.]
Other Information
n/a
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Al Hazen Ibn Al-Haytham Institute
Location
Salman peninsula (not within Salman Pak facility fence line), SE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
The first dedicated BW research facility, designed specifically for the start of the BW program.
Details
Iraq states that the BW program began in 1974 by presidential decree and by establishment of the Al Hazen Institute. Consideration of the program must have been earlier, given the completion of a functional scientific research complex by mid-1974. Planning, design, and construction of such a complex would had to have started by at least 1973, with concepts developed even earlier. The affiliation of the Institute is not defined, other than to a “State Security Organization.” The Hazen Institute was under the direction of Major Ibrahim Ghazim, a member of the Chemical Corps, with the biological component having two senior Chemical Corps members.
The full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) states that the biological component of Hazen was “research on microorganisms for military purposes.” It included antibiotic and environmental resistance, means of production, and agent preservation. While accepting in a broad sense this stated scope of research, UNSCOM assesses that the true objectives of the work and relationship to military requirement is lacking. Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus anthracis spores, Shigella spp., Vibrio cholerae, and viruses were among the microbes studied. Information from interviews differ on the success and outcome of the research.
The Institute was liquidated on 16 January 1979 because of financial fraud by the chairman and some senior staff, not for reasons of inadequacy of the facility, nor its inability to make scientific progress as claimed by Iraq. Iraq further asserts that that biological research was terminated but it is probably a temporary halt. Overall, UNSCOM has a poor understanding of the work done at this facility.
Other information
...In 1964, Iraq established the Iraqi Army Chemical Corps. Shortly thereafter, the Soviet Union provided Iraq a great deal of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protective equipment and training. A little more than a year later, reports began to circulate that Iraq was using toxic agents against the Kurds within their own country. These agents were believed to be riot control compounds; however, there were indications in the mid- to late-1980s that Iraq was interested in developing both chemical and biological warfare agents, possibly for use against the Kurds. Initial agent research and development took place at a facility near Salmat [sic] Pak (3306NO443SE) in association with the Al Hazen Institute. This work was transferred to a larger facility at Samarra (335ON04350E) in the early 1980s.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi Chemical Warfare Tactics, Policy and Doctrine,” VII Corps/ARCENT, file 123096_jun96_decls3_0001.txt.
...This report provides a chronology of events surrounding the Al Hazen Institute, the Ibn Al Haitham Institute, and the Baghdad Medical City, and their links to biological warfare programs.... At the beginning of 1988, the Al Hazen Institute was first identified and linked to the Salman Pak BW facility. The Iraqi Journal of Biological Sciences published an article from the chemistry department at the Ibn al Haitham Institute in Baghdad, Iraq, on trace elements of heavy metals found in Iraqi chewing gum. ((field comment) - see paragraph 14 for more information). In mid-1990, an Ibn al Haitham Institute was described as being in the Medical City. In February 1991, a booklet called “Storm in the Gulf” was published by an Iraqi author living in the West. He stated that the Iraqi secret service was called the “Ibn al Haitham.” In September 1991, Commission team UNSCOM 15 looked for an underground BW facility in the Medical City. [deleted]. (source comment) - [deleted]. The team also asked about the Ibn al Haitham Institute and was told it was an eye hospital. At the end of 1991, U/I material was moved to a bunker near Al Amiriyah. In January 1992, the Medical City was cleaned (NFI). Also in January 1992, a source stated that the government chemical institute was moved to Mosul. In February 1992, UNSCOM 21 again looked for an underground bunker in the Medical City. The inspection team had hand-drawn maps that they gave to the Iraqis in an attempt to locate the bunker. (source comment The Iraqis now believed that this information came from a human source.) In March 1992, the Ibn al Haitham Missile Research and Development Institute was established. In April 1992, the Medical City was reportedly closed to foreigners and only North Korean construction workers were allowed into the area. In July 1992, all personnel was moved out of the Medical City into two separate facilities. One facility was north of Mosul near the Tigris River and was described as being similar to the one in the Medical City. The second facility was the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. (field comment This is the ministry where the standoff occurred during the UNSCOM39 search for a possible underground facility.) On 9 august 1992, the British magazine The Observer ran an article called “Iraqi Scientist Tells Ten Year Secret From Tehran.” The article described BW research carried out under the civilian intelligence service at a facility with a name similar to the Al Hazan Institute. The Iraqis declared the existence of the Technical Research Center (TRC), of which a portion was involved in the analysis of foodstuffs. (source comment The food analysis at the TRC is similar work to that done by the Ibn al Haitham Institute mentioned in an article from the Iraqi Journal of Biological Science on chewing gum. Source believes it unlikely for Iraq to have two forensic departments in existence at the same time.) UNSCOM42 inspected the missile research center at Ibn al Haitham (NFI). X-comments (u)1. (source comment A portion of the Baghdad metro system was designed to run under the Medical City. An U/I American company and an U/I Brazilian company were initially involved in part of the design work. The metro was designed to be nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) secure with walls 2.5 meters thick and the roof 3.5 meters thick. An air lock system was also planned. Two metro stations were near the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. The companies were dismissed after providing the design plans. Given the plans for the tunnels, the Iraqis could have built portions of the planned metro system near the Medical City. This might explain the information about material moving from the Medical City to the Agriculture Ministry. 2. (u) (field comment An October 1982 article in the British magazine Tunnels and Tunneling entitled “Baghdad Metro - First in the Middle East” provides background information on construction of the Baghdad metro system—see enclosure.)
Source GulfLINK, “Baghdad Medical City,” DIA, IIR, June 1993, file 961031_950719_22010825_93a.txt.
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Jarf Al-Sakr
Location
25km west of Al-Musayyib (exact location unknown)
Short Descriptor
Test site for 155mm artillery shells filled with ricin
Details
A single 155mm artillery shell was found at Iraq’s main BW production facility Al-Hakam, recovered from the River Euphrates. Containing water, it was of the same type used for CW agents. Another smaller caliber shell was also found, which had been detonated. These shells were said to have been for evaluation. Four similar shells were used in a trial for the dissemination of the BW agent ricin, reportedly at Jarf Al-Sakr. No further evidence has been found. It appears that these trials produced indifferent results, and that, apparently, these projects were not continued.
Other Information
n/a
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Jurf Al-Nadaf
Location
unknown
Short Descriptor
Aerosol chamber dump site
Details
Role confirmed by inspection
Other Information
n/a
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Al-Kindi Company/Veterinary Research Laboratory (VRL)
Location
Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Source of fermenters for Al-Hakam; training of Technical Research Center (TRC) personnel on fermentation line
Details
Iraq declares that Hakam acquired and installed VRL’s fermentation line only in late 1988. However, documents provided by Iraq indicated consideration of its use in situ at the VRL, and spare parts for this line were ordered by the BW program beginning in late May 1988. Eight mobile double-jacketed tanks were part of the VRL line transferred to Hakam.
Other Information
...The Salman Pak BW facility was assessed to be the primary facility in the Iraqi BW program. Other facilities were the...Abu Ghurayb BW Production facility Al-Kindi.... Additional information on these facilities can be found in the attached documents....[Appendix I]...Abu Ghurayb Vaccine Plant, Al Kindi 33-l8-28N/044-15-49, probable site of botulinum toxin production...[Appendix II BW Targets Attacked During Desert Storm]...Abu Ghurayb BW Production 3318N 04412E [approximate date of attack] 3 February 1991.
Source GulfLINK, “Information on Iraq's Biological Warfare Program,” Armed Forces Medical Intelligence, 12 November 1993, File 008me.93d12.
...Al-Kindi Company//Geocoord 3318N04411E; http://www.otcentral.com/forum/oldattachments//. (field comment also referred to as the Abu Ghurayb Suspect BW Facility.) During Operation Desert Storm, [deleted], a laboratory building was destroyed by Coalition bombing.
Source GulfLINK, “Suspect BW Sites in Iraq,” Joint Staff Washington, October 1991, File 961031_950719_60210003_92d.txt.
...Iraq was producing biological warfare (BW) agents at the Salman Pak BW facility, located approximately 32km southeast of Baghdad. Other sites suspected of producing BW agents were the Taji Facility just north of Baghdad, the Abu Ghurayb Vaccine Plant, Al-Kindi in the west Baghdad suburbs, and a plant at Latifiyah, within the Al QaQa Military Complex just southwest of Baghdad.
Source GulfLINK, “Responses to Rep. Kennedy's Questions of 22 February 1994,” DIA, March 1994, File 961031_950811_006me_94.txt.
...Al-Kindi Company, Abu Ghraib—We believe this to be the supplied clostridium vaccine plant located in Abu Ghraib. The Coalition forces destroyed this facility during the war. The plant was probably the site of botulinum production.
Source GulfLINK, "Iraq BW/CW," CIA, n.d., File cia_65717_65717_01.txt.
...During the last five years, the Iraqis have initiated two projects. Both of these are the construction of plants for veterinary vaccine production. The first is the Foot and Mouth Disease Institute at Daura//Geographic Coordinates 33-49N/044-42E//Iraq. This project has been openly carried out from its inception. The other project was the construction of a clostridial veterinary vaccine plant. After two years of work, all references to this project vanished. [deleted]. This facility is said to have eight fermenters of various volumes with a total capacity of 13,000 liters. How it is run and what it produces are unknown. It is very distinct from the legitimate human vaccine plant in Abu Ghraib (coordinates unknown). The veterinary faculty of Baghdad University is located at Abu Ghraib. Vaccine research is carried out there. BW applicable topics are carried out at several science centers including the college of agriculture research.
Source GulfLINK, “Biological Warfare Production and Use,” Joint Chiefs of Staff, June 1988, File 961031_950719_22010883_88a.txt.
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Al-Manal/Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine (FMDV) Facility - Daura
Location
Daura, south of Baghdad, 20 km from city center
Short Descriptor
Production of botulinum toxin and, possibly, Bacillus anthracis
Details
In September 1990, the FMDV was taken over by Technical Research Center (TRC) to produce botulinum toxin for weapons; the site was renamed Al-Manal. Documentary evidence is available indicating that the facility was definitely acquired and 5000 liters of botulinum toxin were produced. The initial intention was that FMD production at the facility would not be interrupted but, because of the imperative of agent production towards the end of 1990, the six fermenters and ancillary equipment were also taken over and botulinum toxin produced. Production took place from November 1990 to 15 January 1991. The site was also used to conduct research on viral warfare agents including hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, human rotavirus, and camelpox.
UNSCOM assesses that the Iraq’s statements regarding Al-Manal’s role in botulinum toxin production and virus research may be correct. However, it should be noted that UNSCOM cannot exclude the production of Agent B (Bacillus anthracis) from facilities other than Hakam based on analytical evidence of Agent B spores found in equipment (one fermenter, two tanks) located at the FMDV facility. Iraq’s alternate explanation regarding this evidence is not credible.
Additional Information
...Another large production facility at Al-Manal (south of Baghdad near the Baghdad broadcast station) is involved in the production of microscopic viruses. [sic] Although the facility was damaged during the Gulf War, production activity is being carried out in three large buildings equipped with four 2,200-liter fermentation tanks...
Source GulfLINK, “Status of Biological Weapons,” CIA, August 1991, file cia_62856_62856_01.txt.
...Kamil repeated that the hemorrhagic fever virus was developed at the Foot and Mouth Center located at Dawra. Husayn Kamil strongly implied that he knew, but would not say, what type of hemorrhagic fever virus the Iraqis had developed.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraq's Non-Use of Chemical Weapons,” CIA, August 1995, File 070296_cia_74531_74531_01.txt.
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Mansuriyah Abandoned Railroad Tunnel
Location
Mansuriyah, 75km NE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Declared storage/deployment site for BW missile warheads
Details
Iraq’s full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) states that 10 Al-Hussein warheads (aflatoxin fill) were deployed to this location.
Other Information
...Al Mansuriyah storage facility BW munitions have been stored at this site.
Source GulfLINK, “BW Stored,” CIA, June 1991, File cia_62841_62841_01.txt.
...The Al Mansuriyah storage facility contains 20 bunkered storage buildings built into a hillside.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW Facilities,” CIA, June 1991, File cia_62845_62845_01.txt.
...Al Mansuriyah Storage Facility This storage facility consists of about 20 bunkered storage buildings built into a hillside. We believe that some of these buildings stored BW agents in the past. We now would expect that any BW munitions would be stored underground at this site.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW/CW 1991,” CIA, n.d., File cia_65717_65717_01.txt.
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Al-Meshada
Location
Taji, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Storage surplus R-400 bombs; stated role may be correct
Details
n/a
Other Information
n/a
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Military Industrial Commission (MIC), Naval and Aerial Bombs Section
Location
Unknown
Short Descriptor
Weapons research (aerial bomb reverse-engineering?)
Details
Since 1987, Iraq began pilot/industrial-production of BW agents. Iraq denies parallel development of delivery weapons. They declare the policy was to evaluate whether weapons developed for CW use were applicable for BW. It is difficult to accept no BW specific weapons program during the late 1980s, possibly in the MIC Naval and Aerial Bombs section. Within this section, Iraq had specialists dedicated to the reverse-engineering of foreign-produced bombs.
Other Information
n/a
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Mohammediyat Test Site
Location
SW of Muthana, 150km west of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
BW test site
Details
Beginning in March 1988, Iraq tested several BW munitions at Mohammediyat, including LD-250 bombs, R-400 bombs, and 122mm rockets. Agents involved were Clostridium botulinum toxin, Bacillus subtilis (simulant) and aflatoxin. Tests dates included March 1988, July 1988, November 1989, December 1989, and September 1990.
Other Information
n/a
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Muthana State Establishment
Location
80km NW of Baghdad and 50km SW of Samarra
Short Descriptor
Very large establishment; involved in BW research and weapons filling; primarily a CW site
Details
The status of BW activities is unclear in the five to six years after the liquidation of the Al Hazen Institute in 1979. According to the testimony of Lt. Gen. Nizar Attar, Director of Muthana, BW was introduced into Muthana objectives in 1983. It appears that BW research began at Muthana in February 1985 when Dr. Rihab Taha transferred to the site from the University of Baghdad. Taha organized a BW research group of 10 people in the Toxics Evaluation Group at Muthana, although actual laboratory work probably began in late 1985. Iraq declares that the work done at Muthana from 1985-1987 was a basic program for Bacillus anthracis spores and botulinum toxin only, which was restricted to laboratory production, characterization, and storage. However, DIALOG searches for Clostridum perfringens were conducted in May and July 1985. Aerosol dissemination studies were undertaken in 1987, with small animals exposed. In the early days of the program based at Muthana (and Salman Pak), small quantities of media (tens of kilograms) were purchased through the State Enterprise for Pesticides Production (SEPP) for use in research and pilot production.
From May to July 1987, the biology group was transferred from Al-Muthana to Salman, although Munthana continued activities in the BW field, including collaboration with Salman in laboratory and field experiments. For example, in 1989, studies on ricin, along with augmenting aflatoxin with smut, CS, CN, (riot agents) and mustard were undertaken. Muthana also assisted in setting up the November 1990 field trial. Iraq denies any relationship between genetic engineering undertaken through Hakam with the genetic engineering section of Muthana housed at the Serum and Vaccine Institute at Amiriyah (under the direction of Dr. Al-Za’ag).
Muthana was also the site for the filling of R-400 bombs and Al-Hussein warheads with BW agents. The weapons were assembled at Hakam.
Other Information
...Al Muthana State Establishment at Samarra was established in 1985 from a pesticide production plant that had been established by Iraqi intelligence in 1982. Al Muthana fell directly under control of the Military Industrial Corporation (MIC). The director was Brigadier Faiez (Shaheen), who was also director of Samarra Medicine Industries (source comment The Samarra Medicine Industries may be involved in biological research...)
Source GulfLINK, “Overview of Iraqi Weapons Industry Establishments,” File 123096_17780146_91a_0001.txt.
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Nassr State Establishment
Location
Taji, 10km north of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
R-400 bomb manufacture
Details
The Nasser Establishment for Mechanical Industries is a large machine tool and metal working facility, heavily involved in the Scud modification efforts, including forging and flow forming of rocket motor cases and hydrostatic testing. Also involved in mechanical assembly of solid propellants.
Other Information
n/a
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Nibai
Location
35km NW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
BW missile warhead “unilateral destruction” site
Details
Iraq asserts that all 25 BW warheads were unilaterally destroyed at specific locations at Al-Nibai desert in July 1991. To verify the full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD), the Commission in 1998 took samples from the remnants of agent warhead containers excavated from various locations at Al-Nibai. The results of the analyses do not support the statements made in Iraq’s FFCD. Traces of Bacillus anthracis spores have been identified on remnants of containers from at least seven distinct missile warheads as opposed to the five declared. There are discrepancies between UNSCOM assessments and Iraq’s account of where groups of warheads containing particular BW agents were destroyed. This throws doubt on the accounts of weapons filling, deployment, and subsequent destruction.
In response to this evidence, in July 1998, Iraq changed its account of BW warhead and other munitions filling. It stated to a Commission team that, instead of the declared five Bacillus anthracis spore and 16 botulinum toxin warheads, there had been in fact 16 Bacillus anthracis spores and five botulinum toxin missile warheads. Iraq insisted that this change in disclosure would not affect Iraq’s declaration on the total quantity of BW agents produced and weaponized. These changes also included alterations to the numbers of R-400 aerial bombs filled with either Bacillus anthracis spores or botulinum toxin. Iraq did not present any supporting documents or other specific evidence to substantiate the new statement. In the original account, Iraq emphatically asserted that all 10 weapons in the Al-Mansuriyah railway tunnel were filled with Bacillus anthracis spores and only later was this changed to botulinum toxin.
Other Information
Iraq’s current declaration states that on 8 July 1991 at 1000 p.m., 15 special missile warheads arrived at Nibai and were destroyed there on 9 July 1991. To support this claim, Iraq presented a document (picture 1). In order to verify this declaration, UNSCOM checked the available aerial photography of Nibai. As the picture shows, on 9 July 1991, no warheads were present and no destruction activity took place at the declared site (picture 2). This puts UNSCOM in a difficult position Should it accept inaccurate declarations?
Source Notes from UNSCOM Briefings to UN Security Council, 3-4 June 1998, <http//cns.miis.edu/research/iraq/jn98uni.htm>.
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Numan Factory
Location
Baghdad area
Short Descriptor
Manufacture of fermenter components; part of Al-QaQa establishment
Details
n/a
Other Information
n/a
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Project 144
Location
Taji camp
Short Descriptor
BW weapons development; 122mm rockets and Al-Hussein warheads
Details
While it was involved in a number of missile-related projects, Project 144 primarily worked on Iraq’s Scud modification efforts. Its main location was at the Taji site.
Other Information
n/a
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Al-Qa Qa State Establishment
Location
Latifiyah, 40km SW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
A large explosives and chemical production facility
Details
BW scientists were sent to QaQa to explore the possibility of land mine use with biological agents; no mines were found suitable.
Other Information
...Al Hakim probably refers to the Latifiyah/Al Musayyab region south of Baghdad. Latifiyah is the nearest town to the Al Qa’Qa State Establishment, Iraq’s major production facility for explosives and missile propellant. There is at least one suspect BW facility in the Al Qa’Qa area, and it was heavily damaged during the war.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW,” CIA, May 1991, File cia_62835_62835_01.txt.
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Rasheed Airbase
Location
Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Pilotless MiG-21 drop tank tests
Details
Iraq’s development concept was to produce a MiG-21 aircraft that could take off and fly on a pre-set flight path without a pilot on board. The plane would carry a drop-tank containing BW agent. After a preset time, the valves on the tank would open and disseminate the agent. The aircraft would continue to fly until it ran out of fuel. One experiment was undertaken on 10 January 1991 at the Rasheed Airbase. The reason given for dropping the project was intervention of the 1991 war.
No clear evidence of the termination of the program. It is known that such work continues, although for a different stated purpose (targets for anti-aircraft artillery). The attempts to dissociate the MiG-21 project from the development of aircraft spray tanks has not been convincingly explained.
Other Information
n/a
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Serum and Vaccine Institute
also referred to as “Al-Muthana Genetic Engineering Unit”
Location
Amiriyah, Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Storage of BW seed stocks; genetic engineering
Details
In 1990, additional BW research locations were obtained at the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Institute at Daura and apparently the Agriculture and Water Resources Center at Fudhaliyah. Research on viruses was started by Dr. Hazem Ali and genetic engineering with Ali Nuria Abdel Hussein. The logic and intent for the selection of camelpox virus, hemorrhagic conjunctivitis virus, and rotavirus are not stated in the full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD). The objectives for the genetic engineering unit are not elaborated upon, although the testimony of Dr. Rihab Taha has indicated that, initially, antibiotic resistant strains of Bacillus anthracis spores were to have been derived. Any relationship with that of the genetic engineering section of Al-Muthanna housed at the Serum and Vaccine Institute at Amiriyah under the direction of Dr. Al-Za’ag is denied by the Iraqis.
UNSCOM assesses that the declared role for the facility may be correct.
Other Information
...Summary [deleted] Several sites in Iraq with the capability to produce and store BW weapons. Although the capability exists, no evidence of current production or storage was found. Enclosures. Text 1. Background [deleted] suspected biological warfare sites. Among the sites were the Al-Kindi company, An-Najaf, Taji, the Serum and Vaccine institute, the Agriculture Research and Water Resources Center, and the Ibn Haithan institute....
Source GulfLINK, “Suspect BW Sites in Iraq,” DIA, October 1991, File 961031_950719_60210003_92d.txt.
....Iraqi BW Facilities... 9. Sera and Vaccine Institute, Baghdad. [deleted?]
It is probably the Abu Ghraib Serum and Vaccine plant. In the summer of 1990, this facility attempted to purchase a strain of anthrax from a UK firm.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi BW,” CIA, June 1991, File cia_62839_62839_01.txt.
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Space Research Center
Location
Campus of University of Baghdad (Jaderiyah complex)
Short Descriptor
Involved in development of Meteo-1 delivery system
Details
As an apparent alternative to proximity fusing, Iraq launched a development program known as “Meteo-1,” in which it sought to use parachutes to retard the speed of its ballistic missile warheads. In 1988, the Iraqis imported a parachute device with the capability to decelerate a supersonic missile payload. The device consisted of a series of three chutes that opened at different altitudes. The Iraqis claim that this parachute system was intended for recovery of photographic equipment used to record missile airframe instabilities during flight. Possible BW delivery device.
Source McCarthy and Tucker, “Saddam’s Toxic Arsenal,” in Sagan, Lavoy and Wirtz, eds., Planning the Unthinkable New Powers and Their Doctrines for Using Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons (forthcoming), pp. 108-109.
Other Information
n/a
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State Establishment for Mechanical Engineering
also referred to as “State Establishment for Mechanical Industries”
Location
Iskanderiah, 30km south of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Destruction of mobile storage tanks
Details
The 1996, full, final, and complete disclosure (FFCD) states that two mobile tanks were destroyed at Al-Azzizziyah, and 22 were cut up and disposed at Iskanderiah. The number has not been stated in the 1997 FFCD.
Other Information
n/a
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Store No. 6
Location
Misbah, Baghdad (near German embassy)
Short Descriptor
Declared as temporary storage site for growth media
Details
Store No. 6 is a warehouse owned by the State Establishment for Drugs and Medical Appliances. Iraq claims that, after 1991, 11 tons of media from a TSMID import were moved from Al-Adil (another storage site) to Store No. 6. The story is unverified.
Other Information
n/a
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Supergun
Location
Jabal Hamrayn, 200km north of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Development of long-range artillery, possibly for BW projectiles
Details
The Iraqi Supergun program was developing long-range projectiles for both 350mm and 1,000mm caliber weapons. The drawings of various designs for the 350mm device depict a projectile with a guidance and control section, control surfaces on the fins, and a payload of around 20kg. Plans existed for a 1,000mm caliber weapon that would have had a longer range, and a payload greater than 100kg. Iraq denies that there was any connection between the BW program and that of the Supergun. This project, like the BW and CW programs, was managed solely by the Military Industrial Corporation (MIC). Like the BW project, no objective or planning has been acknowledged. The development of this weapon system was well advanced, with several sites being used and plans prepared for new and more versatile weapons. The intended purpose of this weapon has not been revealed. A long-range delivery system, with its guided projectile, capable of delivering relatively modest payloads suggests the use of very potent warheads, such as CW or BW agents, or even radioactive material. The range and payload delivery are of a similar order to those of the Al-Hussein. Without a more comprehensive disclosure by Iraq, the possibility that this weapon was being developed for the delivery of a BW payload cannot be ruled out.
Other Information
The first prototype was seen by UN inspectors at Jabal Hamrayn, 200km north of Baghdad. The Supergun consisted of a single prototype of a 350mm gun for trials purposes and two prototypes of a 1000mm gun. The 350mm gun started firing trials several years ago and was used only for ballistic research. It was discovered assembled on the side of a mountain but had not been used for some time. Walter Somers of the United Kingdom supplied 120m of 350mm diameter tubing to Iraq with deliveries running from mid-1988 to early 1989. At Iskandariyah, UN inspectors found a number of components for the 100mm diameter Supergun stored in the open. UK firm Forgemasters was awarded a contract to supply 52 sections of 1000mm diameter pipe, but the last eight were prevented from being shipped to Iraq by UK customs. Two separate Superguns had been planned, each 52m long, but were not assembled. In addition to the sections, which were held together by steel bolts, parts of the recoil system and breech were also discovered.
Source “Exposing the Secrets of Jabal Hamrayn,” Christopher F. Foss, Jane’s Defence Weekly, 14 September 1991, Vol. 16, No. 11, pg. 458.
In 1990, British customs investigators with Christopher Cowley (one of several SRC-International staff assigned to the project) understood that there were two barrel systems involved in Project Babylon the 39-inch tube, and a smaller, 350mm version. With a 27.5-m barrel, “Baby Babylon” would have been capable of hurling a heavy shell several hundred miles. In a conversation aired 13 February 1991 by CBS’s French-language public affairs program “Le Point,” Cowley told interviewer Ann-Marie Dussault that the 39-inch gun was to be stationed on a mountainside in northern Iraq, in a location about 70 km northwest of Mosul. Strongly denying any weaponry use for Babylon, Cowley said that it would be pointed south, to fire research shells into a test zone in north-central Saudi Arabia. The distance between the given firing point and the target zone measures out at approximately 470 miles.
Source “Shadow of a Gunman The Rise and Fall of a Scorned Patriot,” Macleans, 22 April 1991, p. 46.
...Source was asked if he had any knowledge of the so-called “supergun,” and he replied that he had heard about a “gun of the depths” from western media reports.
Source GulfLINK, “Source Debriefing,” DIA, 1991, File 970613_60720048_91d_txt_0001.txt.
...The 350mm projectile for the Supergun is intended for use with BW agents. [deleted?] Based on calculations we have done for Iraq’s Scud-type missiles, we estimate that this quantity of anthrax spores could, under ideal circumstances and meteorological conditions, lethally contaminate an area of several hundred square kilometers.
Source GulfLINK, “Effect of Patriot Intercept,” CIA, n.d., File 071596_cia_75636_75636_01.txt.
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Taji Single Cell Protein Plant
Location
Within Taji oil refining, natural gas complex, 15km NW of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Production of botulinum toxin
Details
Taji Single Cell Protein (SCP) plant was established in 1979 under Professor Hindawi. Production stopped in 1983. Subsequently, Taji SCP plant was acquired by Technical Research Center (TRC) in August 1987; the 450-liter fermenter was converted to botulinum toxin production, which ran through 1988. Thereafter, the fermenter was moved to Al-Hakam. Media for early 1988 production runs is said to be acquired locally. Some 240 liters (10-fold concentrate) of botulinum toxin were produced at the Taji SCP facility.
Other Information
According to the available information, the Iraqi biological project was initiated in the early eighties and was conducted by several installations, including the Al-Hazzan Institute in Salman Pak. In addition to this facility, the project involved a number of additional installations, none of which were mentioned by the Iraqis in this connection. The installations are...B. The Single-Cell Protein (SCP) production facility in Taji...
Source GulfLINK, “Biological Weapons,” CIA, September 1991, File 062096_cia_65657_65641_01.txt.
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Tariqa Bin Ziad Camp
Location
Midway between Fallujah and Baghdad on the Baghdad-Ramadi road
Short Descriptor
Location of CW/BW defense training center operated by the Fallujah General Headquarters Department and the Chemical Weapons Branch of the Iraqi Army
Details
n/a
Other Information
With regard to collective training for chemical units, a huge and modern program was established called the Chemical Training Center located in Tariqa Bin Ziad camp near Baghdad on the Ramadi-Baghdad road. It is an extremely large unit equipped with the most precise modern chemical equipment. The center’s responsibility is to handle the consequences of chemical, nuclear, and biological strikes. Inside the center, strikes are conducted with real or simulated material. Large army units on the level of brigade, including a division, go in to be exposed to the conditions of a real or simulated chemical strike to train them in protective measures against the effects of a strike and in attacks and defensive measures during these conditions. The center has decontamination stations that cooperate in training exercises for the chemical battalion unit of the neighboring area. The center is directly affiliated with the chemical branch directorate and includes more than 400 members, including an officer, branch officer, and a soldier, all of them chemical specialists. Observation and summary Chemical training in the units is planned by the chemical branch unit and implemented by army units. It is directed and monitored by the chemical branch directorate, which prepares regular reports for the general command. Each unit trains no fewer than two times per week, an average of two hours each time, i.e., an average of three hours per week in protective measures from the effect of an attack with weapons of mass destruction.
Source GulfLINK, “Iraqi Chemical Warfare,” CIA, February 1991, File cia_65142_65142_01.txt.
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Technical Research Center
Location
Salman, SE of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Special Security Organization-controlled entity; administratively controls the BW program starting in 1987
Details
The Technical Research Center (TRC) was established in 1985 under an Iraqi intelligence agency, to which part of the BW program was added in 1987. According to Iraq’s account, the involvement of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) in the BW program ceased with the transfer of the biology group from Al-Muthanna to the TRC, which was under the control of the Military Industrial Commission (MIC). Iraq asserts this MOD link was only re-established specifically for the deployment of weapons in January 1991. The explanation given is that MIC had a higher status than the MOD and was a self-contained entity that could progress from initiation to deployment of weapons without outside input.
Iraq states that the Director-General of the TRC reported to Hussein Kamel as head of the State Security Organ (SSO), rather than the MIC. In spite of this, Iraq denied any interaction between the BW program and any Iraqi intelligence agencies.
In mid-1987, a group of biology researchers left Al-Muthanna to continue research within TRC at Al-Salman and to support biological weapons tests.... The Commission assesses that the transfer of the BW work from Al-Muthanna to Al-Salman (TRC) was to preserve secrecy.... The establishment of the BW research group at Al-Salman in 1987 is accepted as stated, although the means by which it was established and managed is far from clear. The relationship of the program within TRC to other organizations is also unclear.
Zubaidy device An aerosol generator for the dispersal of biological warfare agents or toxins was developed by the TRC at Salman Pak by modification of helicopter-borne commercial chemical insecticide disseminators. These modified aerosol generators are assessed as suitable for the dissemination of BW agents from helicopters or slow moving fixed-wing aircraft and are referred to as Zubaidy devices.
Other Information
...However, in March 1987, when Saddam ordered the increase in chemical agent research and production, [Defense Minister] Adnan drew the line on biological agents. He had strong views concerning the wisdom of embarking on such a path, and refused to allow this work to take place at Muthana. [SSO and MIC director] Hussein Kamel fought Adnan on this issue and lost. As a result, Rihab Taha and her team joined a special unit run by the SSO called the Technical Research Center, or TRC. The TRC was involved in a wide number of intelligence support activities, including the use of biological agents in covert operations. Hussein Kamel now had control of Iraq’s biological weapons program, and began large-scale construction to build new research facilities to the liking of Taha.
Source Scott Ritter, Endgame Solving the Iraq Problem - Once and for All (New York Simon and Schuster, 1999), p. 87.
...In 1987, MIMI transferred Dr. Taha’s biological R&D program to a laboratory complex at Salman Pak, south of Baghdad, which already was doing research on BW for covert use by the Iraqi Intelligence Service. There the program came under the Forensic Research Department of the TRC...
Source Timothy McCarthy and Jonathan Tucker, “Saddam’s Toxic Arsenal,” in Sagan, Lavoy and Wirtz, eds., Planning the Unthinkable New Powers and Their Doctrines for Using Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons (forthcoming), p. 98.
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Tharthar Storage Site
Location
SE corner of Lake Tharthar, 75km northwest of Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Interim storage/deployment site for Al-Hussein warheads with biological agent fill
Details
n/a
Other Information
Summary This report identifies possible Iraqi biological warfare agent testing site in the area of Lake Tharthar near the Samarra CBW production and storage facility. [deleted] Text 1. A small military base is located at the southeast end of Lake Tharthar (Geocoord 34-00N/43-20E). [deleted] The fifteen kilometers between Samarra CBW complex and Lake Tharthar is mostly mud bog, and is difficult to reach. [deleted] Comments (c) (field comment) - [deleted] The area where the base was located would be ideal for conducting agent tests because of its isolation and on [deleted] the area might be used for such tests.
Source GulfLINK, “Possible Biological Agents,” ITNTREP 91-326, DIA-Joint Staff, January 1991, File 960525_27210046.91r.txt.
Summary An alleged biological warfare test site in southeastern Iraq was dismantled in May or June 1990. A new test site may be located near Lake Tharthar, IZ, and could be connected with the Samarra chemical production facility, Iraq. enclosure. [deleted] 3. another possible BW test site may be located in the area due west of Samarra (34-12-00N/43-52-21E), IZ, on the east side of Lake Tharthar, IZ, in the vicinity of Wadi Abu Assah-wadiyan Hasabiyat (34-20N/43-14E), IZ. [deleted] the northeast portion of the facility has reportedly been earmarked for biological warfare research and development. However, it is unknown why the Iraqis would choose to conduct BW testing near Lake Tharthar and risk contaminating the water supply for the surrounding region.
Source GulfLINK, “Possible Biological Agents (IIR 2 762 0230 90/Closing of an Alleged Biological Warfare Test Site in Southeastern Iraq and a Possible New Site Near Lake TharThar, IZ, Being Established),” ITNTREP 91-326, DIA, August 1990
File 960525_27620230.90.txt.
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Tigris Canal
Location
80 km WNW of Baghdad, near Fallujah
Short Descriptor
BW missile warhead deployment/storage
Details
Iraq states that some 15 Al-Hussein warheads filled with biological agent were stored/deployed at this location. According to the Iraqis, the choice of the site was made by Muthana State Establishment (warhead filling site) and Unit 224 (Al Hussein force) because of its proximity to 224 headquarters (30-minute drive) and its “concealment” properties. Two days prior to the actual movement of the warheads, a team from the First Missile Maintenance Unit constructed about 20, one meter-deep pits spaced ten meters apart. Iraq states that not every pit was used for fear of a possible air attack destroying all the warheads in one strike. Warheads were placed in the pits, covered with tarps secured by sandbags, and covered with sand; the entire operation took approximately two hours. A tent was erected for 15-20 guard troops, although no telephone or radio communications links were established. Every day, a member of the guard force traveled to Unit 224 headquarters at Taji to get his orders. [Note Unit 224 had field headquarters during the war.] In addition, a Technical Research Center (TRC) representative traveled to the site every two-three days to check on the condition of the warheads.
Other Information
n/a
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University of Baghdad
Location
Baghdad (Jadiriyah complex)
Short Descriptor
Procurement of BW equipment (as front organization); BW research (?)
Details
In February 1985, BW research started at Al-Muthanna involving Dr. Rihab Taha. Iraq provided documents citing her transfer from the University of Baghdad to Al-Muthanna.
In 1985, Iraq acquires BW agents and simulants. In 1985, 1986, and 1988, a range of agents required to support the program were acquired or attempted to be acquired, from a number of foreign sources, including the American Type Tissue Collection (ATCC) and Pasteur Institute. Local acquisition also occurred. The 12 May declaration provides the year of import, using the University of Baghdad as a cover.
Other Information
...Work on the physiology of clostridia bacteria was begun at the University of Baghdad...
Source GulfLINK, “Status and Background on Iraq Biological Warfare Program,” CIA, February 1992, File cia_70570_70570_01.txt.
...In the course of the first years of the project, the Iraqis were probably engaged in preliminary research and in the course of time, they formulated a list of priority biological agents for production as BW. For this purpose, bacteria strains were purchased by the University of Baghdad and Technical and Scientific Materials Import Division (TSMID), which operated jointly as procurement agents for the project. The list included the following strains 1. Bacillus anthracis; 2. Clostridium botulinum (types a, e, f); 3. Francisella tularensis; 4. Brucella abortus; 5. B. melitensis; 6. Clostridium perfringens...
Source GulfLINK, “Biological Weapons,” September 1991, File 062096_cia_65657_65641_01.txt.
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University of Technology
Location
Southwest Baghdad
Short Descriptor
Design and construction of Hakam
Details
Includes Engineering Affairs and Engineering Consultant bureaus. Involved in developing concept and technical specifications for “Project 900” (Hakam).
Other Information
n/a
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Walid Airbase
also referred to as “H-3 Airfield”
Location
50km from Al-Rutbah
Short Descriptor
Major Iraqi airbase; possible BW bomb deployment site
Details
Iraq declares that some 600 R-400 bombs with chemical fill (GB/GF) were deployed to this location in July 1991. However, in October 1991, UNSCOM discovered two R-400 bombs with certain physical characteristics (such as black stripes) indicating they were of the biological type. At the time, Iraq claimed these also were chemical bombs.
http//www.nti.org/e_research/e1_iraq_BWfacilities.html
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