Tests indicate Iraq powder not chemical weapon -- INVASION OF IRAQ

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Subject: Tests indicate Iraq powder not chemical weapon

Author:
Anonymous

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Date Posted: 10:45:39 04/06/03 Sun

Tests indicate Iraq powder not chemical weapon
06.04.2003 [01:01]
The Sydney Morning Herald

First tests of a white powder found in thousands of boxes near the Iraqi capital indicate it was not a chemical weapon, a US military officer said yesterday.

"On first analysis it does not appear to be a chemical that could be used in a chemical weapons attack," Colonel John Peabody, commander of the Engineer Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, told Reuters. He said it would be sent for more tests.

Peabody said most of it appeared to be atropine, used as an antidote to nerve gas, and another chemical.

US forces said on Friday they had found thousands of boxes containing vials of unidentified liquid and white powder as well as manuals on chemical warfare at two sites near Baghdad.

The United States and Britain launched the war on March 20 to oust President Saddam Hussein with the overriding justification that they wanted to rid Iraq of alleged weapons of mass destruction.

Saddam, who used such weapons in the 1980s, denies that he now has chemical or biological arms. US-led forces have found no firm evidence to contradict him but say they are sure they will find it.

One plant containing the boxes, which was shown on US military maps as including underground storage facilities, was near the town of Latifiya, southwest of Baghdad.

The site seemed to be part of the al Qaa'qaa state establishment, a large industrial complex in Iraq which makes powder, explosives and propellants for all military industries.

The vials were about 11cm long. Some contained liquid, some powder. The books and manuals were in a safe. US troops said they also found a second site nearby containing vials of unidentified liquid and white powder.

The Sydney Morning Herald

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