LOS ANGELES, June 8: Saddam Hussein had a network of small labs that conducted research on chemical and biological weapons, but did not have any such weapons, the Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday, quoting a former Iraqi general.

The goal of the secret labs, set up after 1996, was to rebuild Iraq’s banned weapons programmes once United Nations sanctions were lifted, the source — described as a brigadier general who insisted on anonymity — told the Times.

Each team had up to four scientists unknown to UN inspectors, and worked on computers and conducted “crude experiments in bunkers and back rooms in safe houses around Baghdad,” according to the Times.

The general also said that some Iraqi defectors interviewed were Iraqi double agents.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Parliament’s place
Updated 17 Sep, 2024

Parliament’s place

Efforts to restore parliament’s sanctity must rise above all political differences and legislative activities must be open to scrutiny and debate.
Afghan policy flux
17 Sep, 2024

Afghan policy flux

AS the nation confronts a major militancy problem in the midst of poor ties with Kabul, there is a dire need to...
HIV/AIDS outbreak
17 Sep, 2024

HIV/AIDS outbreak

MULTIPLE factors — the government’s inability to put its people first, a rickety health infrastructure, and...
Political drama
Updated 16 Sep, 2024

Political drama

Govt must revisit its plans to bring constitutional amendments and ensure any proposed changes to judiciary are subjected to thorough debate.
Complete impunity
16 Sep, 2024

Complete impunity

ZERO per cent. That is the conviction rate in crimes against women and children in Sindh, according to data shared...
Melting glaciers
16 Sep, 2024

Melting glaciers

ACCELERATED glacial melt in the Indus river basin, as highlighted recently by the National Disaster Management...