Iraq Crisis: U.S. and Allied Forces

Publication Date: September 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: International relations

Type:

Coverage: Iraq

Abstract:

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