From the beginning of the buildup to the war, military leaders worried that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein would use chemical weapons, as he did during the Iran-Iraq war and against rebels in his own country. Iraq boasted of a variety of nerve agents and mustard agents and was said to be developing biological agents. But Pentagon officials denied during and after the war that Iraq used chemical weapons or even sent them to the area where fighting took place, despite the fact that chemical detection alarms frequently sounded after the beginning of the air war. The position was based partly on the fact that no one died from chemical weapons at the time, although several reports tell of soldiers who were treated for chemical injuries. But last year newly released documents revealed that U.S. forces blew up a large ammunition storage area containing chemical weapons, forcing the Pentagon to change its stand.
Many veterans claim that site is one of dozens of chemical storage sites in the region.
Veterans supporters suspect the government does not want to face millions of dollars in liability claims from sick veterans. Others suggest the military doesn't want to acknowledge its chemical protection and detection equipment is inadequate. The Pentagon, the CIA and the VA consistently deny any cover-up.