1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-120 FUpdated September 2, 1998Iraq Crisis: U.S. and Allied ForcesAlfred B. PradosSpecialist in Middle East AffairsForeign Affairs and National DefenseSummaryA build-up of U.S. forces in the Pe
2、rsian Gulf began in October 1997, in responseto Iraqs refusal to cooperate fully with the work of U.N. weapons inspectors. As thecrisis worsened in early 1998, force levels climbed to over 35,000 U.S. militarypersonnel, approximately 275 combat aircraft, and 40 ships, including two aircraftcarriers,
3、 supplemented by small allied contingents. Though much smaller than themassive coalition assembled after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, U.S. officials believedthis force capable of conducting significant military strikes against Iraq if necessary. Anagreement in late February 1998 averted a confrontat
4、ion, but expanded force levels werecontinued until June. Following redeployments in June, U.S. forces returned to theirpre-crisis level of approximately 20,000 military personnel in the Gulf. This report willbe revised when a significant change occurs in force levels in the Gulf region. Relatedreadi
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