Khamisiyah Chemical Exposures

Introduction

The Department of War remains committed to ensuring all veterans receive the care and recognition they have earned through their service. We're committed to transparency regarding environmental and chemical exposures affecting our service members. This includes potential chemical agent exposures during the 1991 Gulf War at the Khamisiyah, Iraq, Ammunition Storage Point. We're providing relevant updated information regarding access to care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Background and Key Findings

According to U.S. Demolition Operations at Khamisiyah Final Report from April 2002, it states, "Some U.S. ground forces were likely exposed to very low levels of nerve agent from the demolition of rockets in the Pit on March 10, 1991. Also, "It is likely that the demolition of rockets in the Pit exposed some U.S. units to very low levels of chemical warfare agents.”

To date, these findings from 2002 remain the Department’s most authoritative assessment of the incident and the modeling referenced in that report estimated that over 100,000 U.S. troops may have been present within the potential hazard area from the demolition.

Next Steps for Potentially Affected Veterans

If you're a veteran who served at or near Khamisiyah, Iraq, in the March 1991 time, you should enroll through the VA, even if you haven't done so before or if you haven't previously reported exposure. This ensures you'll get any necessary evaluations and potential treatment. You'll also be included in an potential future outreach and policy efforts.