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Iran masses troops for war games near Iraq

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, May 30, 2001

NICOSIA Ñ Iran has launched new military exercises near the Iraqi border.

The exercise, termed Eqtedar-80, began over the weekend and will last a week. The maneuvers comprise 20,000 Iranian troops in the western and southern districts of Iran.

Officials acknowledge that the exercise is meant to increase Iranian deterrence amid growing tension with Iraq. In April, Iranian forces attacked Iraqi bases in the most intense rocket barrage since the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

"The maneuvers are aimed to reinforce the deterring power of the national army, stepping up security along the borders and displaying capabilities of the national army including their rapid reaction force as well as showcasing their inventions," Iranian media quoted a senior commander identified as Brig. Gen. Mahmoudi as saying.

Officials said Iran will probably deploy new weapons during the exercise. Teheran has unveiled new 125 mm shells produced for the nation's fleet of T-72 tanks. Iran has also built and tested the Shihab-3 missile, with a range of 1,300 kilometers.

Iran conducts about 40 exercises a year. Many of them are in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

In another development, Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei has appointed Brig. Gen. Habib Baqaie as the acting commander of the army. Khamenei also appointed Brig. Gen. Reza Pardis as commanders of the air force.

Meanwhile, Iraq has again threatened to halt exports unless United Nations sanctions are lifted.

Iraqi statements said the regime of President Saddam Hussein does not rule out such a prospect if the UN oil-for-food program continues. Officials said Baghdad might simply halt exports under the program.

Taha Hamoud Mussa, a senior officials in the Iraqi Oil Ministry, said an Iraqi halt in oil exports would spark a crisis in the world market. He said Baghdad had been planning on increasing oil production to 3.5 million barrels a day by the end of the year.

Iraq currently produces 3 million barrels a day with plans to double this figure by 2005.

The threat comes as Iraq reports new oil finds in the western desert. Officials said natural gas deposits have also been detected.

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