An operation to topple the Iraqi government could cost the United States up to $9 billion a month, according to a US Congress report.
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Supporters of Saddam Hussein protest against threats of American military strikes against Iraq
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The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) based its estimate on the assumption that the US force in the Gulf could include about 370,000 military personnel, up to 1,500 aircraft, 800 attack and transport helicopters, 800 tanks and 60 battle force ships.
It also took into account the possibility that two-thirds of a British heavy armoured division and two-thirds of a British air wing would be part of the force, as well as 21 British navy ships.
In the report, made public yesterday, the congressional analysts said even moving such a military force to the region would cost the United States a fortune.
Deploying a US force composed of about five army divisions, five air force wings, five navy aircraft carriers with associated escort and support ships, and one Marine Corps expeditionary force would cost almost $13 billion over a three-month deployment phase, the report said.
Moreover, the CBO estimates that once combat began, the costs for waging the war, including the cost to replace expended munitions and damaged or destroyed equipment, would total about $9 billion over the first month of fighting.
AFP