8 Desert Shield GIs Hospitalized After Trying Home-Brew
- Share via
IN EASTERN SAUDI ARABIA — Eight American soldiers have been poisoned by home-brewed alcohol and hospitalized since Sunday, one in very serious condition, the U.S. military command said today.
The soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division are the first known casualties of home-brewed liquor since U.S. forces were deployed in Saudi Arabia, a Muslim country which bans all alcohol.
Today’s statement from the U.S. Central Command said the soldiers, who were not identified, suffered from methanol poisoning, which is a problem associated with faulty home-brewed alcoholic beverages.
Methanol poisoning, which can lead to blindness or death, was a serious problem during Prohibition in the 1920s.
Since U.S. troops arrived in Saudi Arabia in early August, a small number have been disciplined for having alcoholic beverages.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
