File: 082696_d50028_120.txt
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Total Pages: 274

widening, but he reiterates his support for the U.S.-led attempt to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
(Washington Post, January 23, p. A21.)

Jarniary 23
Wednesday--- In a Pentagon news briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Powell says the
overall effort to smash Iraqi communications and air defen-ses during the past week has been largely
successful, but that it is difficult to tell if the bombing has harmed Iraqi ground troops in Kuwait. The
allies have destroyed 41 Iraqi aircraft (19 in dogfights) while losing only 16. Powell also says Iraq
remains a formidable opponent and he does not see a quick victory. (N~ork Times, January 24, p.
Al.)

An Iraqi Scud missile is intercepted by a Patriot missile in northern Israel as the government of
Prime Minister ShamIr reaffirms its decision to postpone any military action against Iraq. (Washington
Post, January 24, p. Al.)

---In a speech to the Reserve Officers Association, President Bush says the war against Iraq is on
schedule and that there would be no pause in the air campaign. He also cautions the nation to expect
setbacks and sacrifices, but that we will not stop until we have achieved our goals. (New York Times,
January 24, p. Al.)

U.S. and Iraqi troops skirmish near the Kuwaiti border. Two U.S. servicemen are wounded and six
Iraqi prisoners are taken. (New York Times, January 24, p. Al3.)

---Iraq halts distribution of gasoline in order to marshall supplies. (New York Times, January 24, p.
Al3.)

January 24
Thursday -- Pentagon announces that the number of air sorties has reached 15,000. (New York
Times, January 25, p. Al.)

The largest amphibious force assembled since the Korean War is practicing landings in the Per:~ian
Gulf. (New York Times, January 25, p. Al.)

A Saudi F- 15 pilot shoots down two Iraqi Mirages. (New York Times, January 25, p. A8.)

U.S. planes sink one Iraqi minesweeper while a second hits a mine and sinks. While picking up 22
survivors from the minesweepers, a U.S. helicopter receives fire from Qaia Island, a small island off
the Kuwaiti/Saudi Arabian coast. U.S. returns fire and takes the island along with 29 more prisoners.
(New York Times, January 25, p. Al.)

---Iraq closes border with Jordan, thereby blocking the major escape route for hundreds of thousands
of refugees from Iraq. (New York Times, January 25, p. Al.)

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