Tampa Tribune (Florida) March 20, 2003
Background For Battle
HURDLES FOR THE GROUND WAR
Ground troops invading Iraq need to overcome many obstacles while marching toward Baghdad. In addition to the physical barriers posed by Iraq's terrain, the Iraq army could create other challenges
Air Bases
Forces will have to neutralize major air bases to maintain control of the skies.
Marsh Area
Troops moving through southern Iraq will have to maneuver through large areas of soft marshland, possibly delaying their progress.
Canals
Military analysts say Iraq could breach dams in the country's southern canal system, flooding areas to slow troop movement.
Highway 8
Troops using the main route from Basra to Baghdad might have to use bridging equipment if Iraq destroys bridges along the road.
Oil Fields/Pipelines
Troops will have to secure oil fields to prevent Iraqi forces from setting them ablaze as they did in Kuwait in 1991.
Possible Troop Movements
The ground invasion of Iraq could take place on three fronts to secure oil fields, hunt for Scud missiles and surround Baghdad.
Northern Invasion
If the Turkish government reconsiders and approves a U.S. request to deploy troops there, Turkey could serve as a staging ground; if not, a smaller number of troops might be airlifted into northern Iraq, where they would advance toward Baghdad assisted by local Kurds.
Western Invasion
A relatively small force sent in by air, these troops would scour the western desert for Scud missiles and secure airfields before advancing on the capital.
Southern Invasion
Likely to be the largest force in the attack, soldiers would enter Iraq from Kuwait and move to Baghdad.
IRAQ'S CIVILIANS
Most Iraqis live in urban centers. The government provides basic needs for 60 percent of the 25.6 million Iraqis. During wartime, aid will have to reach these centers. Baghdad accounts for the largest concentration of civilians - estimated at 5.8 million people.
Population of cities
2 million
1 million
500,000
250,000
100,000
RANGE OF IRAQ MISSILES
(Countries with major U.S. troop presence)
Al Samoud
Scud B
Al Hussein
Al Abbas
DEFENSE AGAINST IRAQI MISSILES
The main defenses against Iraqi missiles are advanced versions of the Patriot antimissile system and the joint Israeli U.S. Arrow system.
Offensive ballistic missiles
Missile name Al Samoud Scud B Al Hussein Al Abbas
Ababil-100
Range* 93 to 112 186 391 558
Accuracy* n/a 1/4 1/2 to 2 2
DEFENSIVE MISSILE SYSTEMS
System launchers shown not to scale
Name Arrow-2 Patriot (PAC-III)
Type Antimissile Antimissile
system system
Country Israel United States
(w/ U.S. assistance)
Max. range** 56 miles 9.3 miles
Max. range** 165,000 feet more than 49,000 feet
Baghdad Targets
About 3.2 million people live in the Iraq capital. Numerous potential military targets are located in and around the old city.
Directorate of Military Intelligence
Military Computing Center
Iraqi Air Force HQ
Khair River
Iraqi Intelligence HQ
Air Defense Center
Sarafiya Bridge
Aimma Bridge
Adhimiya Bridge
Jadriya Bridge
Tamuz Bridge
Shuhada Bridge
Ahrar Bridge
Sinak Bridge
Jumhuriya Bridge
14th of July Bridge
Central Railway Station
Eastern Railway Station
Baghdad University
Ancient "Round City" of Baghdad site
Zawra Park and Zoo
Unknown Soldier Monument
Intl. Baath Party HQ
Council of Ministers
Amusement Park
Iraqi Ministry of Defense
Abbasid PalaceInternational
Telecommunication Relay Center
Oil Refinery
Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Telecommunication Switching Center
Medical City Hospital
Oil Ministry
Telecommunication Center
Conference Center
Presidential Palace
New Presidential Palace
Old City Wall
HEADING TO BAGHDAD
Some areas of southern Iraq, particularly those between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, present challenges for moving large numbers of troops and equipment. Military analysts believe U.S. forces could head northwest from Kuwait, across desert areas, before turning right and heading for Baghdad.
Making Time
Analysts say U.S. forces could expect to reach Baghdad from Kuwait in two to four days, although Iraqi resistance or equipment problems could slow their movement.
(1) Precision-guided bombs and missiles would hit important targets like radar sites and command centers...
(2) ... while airborne units leapfrog ahead of armored forces to seize critical areas like oil facilities, establish forward operating bases and eliminate obstacles.
(3) Helicopters could drop fuel and other supplies ahead of...
(4) ...armored tracked vehicles racing forward en masse with slower wheeled support vehicles trailing behind.Note: Drawing not to scale
Tribune graphic, Sources: The Associated Press, National Imagery and Mapping Agency; Omni Resources, Global Security.org; Center for Strategic and International Studies, Jane's Information Group; Federation of American Scientists, Center for Defense Information; Council on Foreign Relations
GRAPHIC: MAP (3C) Tribune map
(C) (Ground War) Tribune map
(C) RANGE OF IRAQ MISSILES Tribune map
(C) Baghdad Targets
NOTES: BACKGROUND FOR BATTLE STRIKE ON IRAQ
Copyright © 2003, The Tribune Co. Publishes The Tampa Tribune
