Kuwait-Iraq barrier

The Kuwait-Iraq barrier is a convert|120|mi|km|sing=on separation barrier extending six miles (10 km) into Iraq, three miles (5 km) into Kuwait, and across the full length of their mutual border from Saudi Arabia to the Persian Gulf. Constructed by the United Nations Security Council, its stated purpose is to stop a re-invasion of Kuwait by Iraq.

The barrier, made of electrified fencing and concertina wire, is braced by a convert|15|ft|m|sing=on-wide and convert|15|ft|m|sing=on-deep trench, complete with a convert|10|ft|m|sing=on-high dirt berm and guarded by hundreds of soldiers, several patrol boats, and helicopters. The construction of the barrier was begun in 1991.

In January 2004, Kuwait decided to install a new 217 km iron separation barrier along the existing border. The stated needs were protecting the northern border, and preventing cars coming from Iraq from approaching the electricity bars.

The barrier will cost an estimated 28 million dollars and will extend from Umm Qasr until the joint border triangle where Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait meet. Asphalted roads will be also constructed to facilitate border security movement.

Under Saddam Hussein's rule Iraq viewed Kuwait as part of Iraq, and viewed the barriers as illegally separating two parts of Iraqi territory. It is not yet clear if a new government in Iraq will relinquish that territorial claim.

See also

*Separation barrier
*United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission
*Demilitarized zone

External links

* [http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2003/03/05/export5020.txt convert|120|mi|km|sing=on barrier keeps Iraq, Kuwait at arm's length]
* [http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040114/2004011402.html Kuwait installs iron barrier on its borders with Iraq]