IRAQ: Special Forces already in Iraq are probably helping US and UK aircraft in a war that has all but begun, reports Tom Clonan
Preparations for a ground war in Iraq are already well under way. The recent intensification of air assault in the no-fly zones represents an escalation of operations northern and southern watch - in existence since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. This escalation may well represent the precursor to a massive air campaign, which will mark the beginning of the invasion of Iraq.
The number of British and US aircraft currently involved in policing the no-fly zones has quadrupled in recent months.
This increase has been made possible by the massive build-up of air power associated with US aircraft carrier battle groups in the Gulf region.
Increased patrolling of the skies over Iraq has been accompanied in recent days by a broader targeting policy.
To date, US and British aircraft have only opened fire on Iraqi air defences when engaged or attacked. It is now believed that all Iraqi air defence assets, whether passive or actively locking on to allied aircraft, are being regarded as targets.
This policy would represent a more aggressive posture by US and British forces in the Gulf. It implies moving from the modus operandi of restrained enforcement to a more robust war footing.
The situation on the ground also reflects this. The numbers of troops concentrated in bases in Kuwait and Qatar and on ships in the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf suggest invasion is imminent. The activities of special forces troops inside Iraqi territory reinforces this notion.
At present there are several thousand special forces dispersed throughout the Gulf region. The majority are US troops from bases such as Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
There are approximately 240 British SAS troops operating with the Americans along with special forces from Australia and Jordan. Ferried into Iraq by units such as the 160th Special Operations Airborne Regiment, these troops will play a crucial role in the coming days prior to the earnest commencement of hostilities.
Operating in section strength or groups of eight, these troops will be inserted deep into Iraqi territory to conduct long range patrolling in support of specific missions.
Once disembarked from MH 47 helicopters (modified Chinooks), these troops will be involved in the gathering of intelligence for a specific set of objectives.
High on the agenda will be the requirement for special forces to seek out and identify military targets for destruction by air during the initial phase of the war. These targets, including command and control centres, air defence assets, military equipment and materials, are logged and marked with electronic beacons and laser designators.
In addition to conventional military targets, special forces troops will also be trying to identify any surviving Scud missiles in northern, southern or western Iraq.
The US and British are especially conscious of the potential threat posed by such missiles with a chemical or biological payload.
A major escalation of hostilities would arise if Scuds were fired during the initial phase of the war into Turkey or Israel.
Another priority for special forces in the region will be to conduct intensive reconnaissance of oilfields and airfields in northern Iraq.
The US and Britain will be anxious to ensure that Saddam does not set fire to these oilfields in advance of a ground assault. The cost of similar action by Saddam during the Gulf War is estimated at around $100 billion.
The allies will also be anxious to prevent any contamination of airfields, oilfields or indeed key cities such as Mosul or Kirkuk with biological or chemical agents. Such a scenario might require covert and pre-emptive operations in the days or hours before an official declaration of war.
Turkey's decision not to allow US troops to deploy to northern Iraq via its territory will have important implications for Special Forces teams in Iraq. A pressing task will now be to identify suitable landing zones for helicopter-borne assault troops or indeed drop zones for paratroopers deploying to northern Iraq. Such landing zones, drop zones and airfields crucial for re-supply will have to be fully investigated, reconnoitred and secured prior to any invasion.
It is likely that special forces will also be involved in the deployment of secret petrol, oil and lubricant (POL) dumps in the Iraqi desert in order to support any dash towards Baghdad by armour in Kuwait.
The deployment of special forces in Iraq at this time underlines the short time scale now likely for war against Saddam.
The deployment also reflects the flexibility of preparation and planning required by the US in the face of a climate of uncertainty and unpredictability among its allies.
Tom Clonan is a retired Army officer with experience in the Middle East and former Yugoslavia. He is a fellow of the US-based Inter University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society. He lectures in the School of Media, DIT.