GULF WATCH: Day 90 : A daily briefing paper on developments in the crisis : Military Front:
Ten U.S. sailors were killed when a steam line exploded in the boiler room of the assault ship Iwo Jima off Bahrain as the vessel sailed toward an amphibious landing exercise. In a separate accident, a U.S. Marine was killed when his military vehicle plunged over a 20-foot embankment. The two incidents raised the U.S. military death toll in Operation Desert Shield to 42.
Warning that the United States and its allies are planning an attack “in the coming few days,” Iraqi President Saddam Hussein convened his top military commanders to make final preparations for “urban warfare.”
Members of Congress urged President Bush to carefully evaluate all options before authorizing a military offensive against Iraq. However, the Administration is known to believe that a military option may soon have to be considered.
Diplomatic Front:
Secretary of State James A. Baker III will discuss the Middle East crisis with Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze on Nov. 9 during a trip to the Persian Gulf and Europe.
Hostage Front:
Freed French hostages told authorities that Americans and other Western hostages held as human shields in Iraq have been subjected to physical and mental abuse by their captors.
Accidental deaths in Operation Desert Shield:
Army: 2
Navy: 11
Air Force: 20
Marines: 9
Total: 42
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
