Property Damage from Scuds Heavier Than Was Expected

Israel’s casualty rate from Iraqi Scud missile attacks has been within the anticipated limits, but property damage is more extensive than expected, according to the Israel Defense Force.

The 30 missiles fired at Israel since the early hours of Jan. 18 killed two people and injured 200. Another 12 died of asphyxiation caused by misusing their gas masks.

Material damage is estimated at $100 million, Brig. Gen. Nachman Shai, the IDF spokesman, said at a news briefing here this week.

He warned that while the frequency of Scud attacks has diminished during the last nine days, the threat remains high.

The use of chemical weapons against Israel is still a possibility, either by Scud missiles or Iraqi aircraft which might manage to take off on a bombing run, Shai said.

He observed that while much of the Iraqi air force has been destroyed or fled to Iran, its remaining potential keeps the Israeli air force at a high state of alert.

Shai attributed the reduced Scud attacks to several factors. Allied forces have intercepted launches, the Iraqis have had technical difficulties and Saddam Hussein may have changed his tactics.

But Iraq’s will to hit Israel must not be underestimated and the country has to stay prepared, the general said.

Shai said the U.S. Patriot anti-missile batteries operated by American and Israeli troops were proving effective. But there are not enough Patriot systems to adequately protect the entire population.

But German Patriot and Hawk anti-aircraft missile batteries being airlifted to Israel will alleviate some of the problems, Shai said.

Shai said that if Israel decides to retaliate against Iraq, it will coordinate with the Americans or at least give advance notification.