Severe sandstorms have hit parts of the Kuwaiti desert reducing visibility to a few metres where US forces are poised to invade Iraq. The second storm in a week has has cut visibility down to approximately 500 metres in the capital and closer to 200 metres in the desert. The storms, which are not uncommon in the region, are expected to start subsiding this evening and weather over Kuwait should be clear from tomorrow onwards. If the storm continued, it could delay the start of a ground assault and limit the ability of pilots to carry out an accurate bombing campaign, risking civilian deaths. Troops have complained that they are repeatedly having to clear sand from their equipment which could hinder their effectiveness in an invasion. However, it would have some benefits for the allied troops as it cools the desert and blinds the opposing side.
'Blinding' could only help the enemy |