IRAQ PROCURES HUNDREDS OF TANK TRANSPORTERS
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE ARMS, DEFENSE, STRATEGY
The indepth regional news service http://www.menewsline.com/
17.6.2001
LONDON [MENL] -- Iraq has procured hundreds of tank transporters from Russia
in what has been termed as an effort to improve military logistics and
respond quickly to the prospect of regional conflict.
Western intelligence sources confirmed reports that hundreds of Russian-made
tank transporters have arrived in southern Iraq over the past few weeks.
They said the transporters were seen being unloaded in the port of Basra and
then painted in the color of military khaki.
"This is one of the most significant procurements by the Iraqi military and
demonstrates its preparations for conflict," an intelligence source said.
The London-based daily said at least 200 Ural tank transporters have been
unloaded. Witnesses in Basra were quoted as saying that Iraq plans to import
1,300 tank transporters from Russia.
Iraqi opposition sources said the tank transporters are key to the
military's effort to regain control over the country or join any Middle East
war against Israel. The sources said Iraq's armored fleet has been plagued
by a lack of spare parts and the arrival of tank transporters saves on the
wear and tear of driving tanks from Baghdad to Jordan or Syria.
The Russian export of the vehicles was facilitated by listing them as
civilian transporters, the sources said. As part of the proposed smart
sanctions policy, the United States wants to ban vehicles that can transport
armored systems.
--------------------------------------------
IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis
Website: www.imra.org.il
