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CIA to probe allegations it covered up evidence of Gulf War chemical weapons exposure
November 1, 1996
Web posted at: 3:30 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The CIA announced Friday that its inspector-general will investigate allegations that the agency had covered up evidence of scores of incidents in which Americans may have been exposed to Iraqi chemical weapons during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
"We have held nothing back," the spy agency's executive director, Nora Slatkin, told a news conference. She said the internal investigation was designed to ensure that the CIA had been as open as possible in its efforts to get to the bottom of mysterious illnesses ailing some combat veterans.
She said that, based on a comprehensive review of intelligence, the CIA believed that Iraq did not use chemical or biological weapons during the Gulf war.
"In addition, our analysis indicates chemical agents released by aerial bombings of chemical warfare facilities did not reach U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia," Slatkin said. "However, we have identified and will discuss potential fallout concerns in the case of a rear area chemical weapons storage bunker in southern Iraq."
"This is a rare opportunity. A rare opportunity to set the record straight," Slatkin continued. "The CIA and (CIA Director) John Deutch... and all of our senior leadership, are committed to making available as much information as possible to the American public on this important subject."
Related stories:
- CIA, Pentagon deny chemical weapons cover-up - October 30, 1996
- Report: U.S. ignored Gulf War chemical warnings from Czechs - October 19, 1996
- Study: Gulf War syndrome, viral infection may be linked - October 7, 1996
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