504 Chapter 5
MID#1039
Started in June 1970. See the narrative in the 652 Syria/663 Jordan dyad dispute list.
MID#2739
Dispute Number: 2739
Date(s): May 17, 1987 to May 18, 1987
Participants: 645 Iraq/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 26–100 deaths
Narrative: Iraqi aircraft unintentionally struck an American warship in the Persian
Gulf about 85 miles north of Bahrain on May 17, 1987. The missile caused extensive
damage to the ship and resulted in the death of 37 sailors. The United States did not
retaliate or return fire, but diplomats issued strong warnings to Iraq that it would fire
upon any aircraft or vessel that appeared ready to attack in the future. Saddam Hus-
sein issued a statement that took responsibility for the attack and said he hoped it did
not affect the nature of American-Iraqi relations. Iraq agreed to pay compensation for
damage to the ship and for the loss of life incurred. An investigation into the incident
was launched, and news accounts indicate that Iraq cooperated with the investigation
and with efforts to increase coordination and safety measures in the Persian Gulf.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#2774
Dispute Number: 2774
Date(s): February 12, 1988
Participants: 645 Iraq/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: A US warship was escorting oil tankers, and an Iraqi warplane approached.
The American vessel shot two warning flares. The Iraqi warplane responded with fir-
ing two missiles that streaked off the ship.
MID#3957
Started in May 1990. See the narrative in the 645 Iraq/690 Kuwait dyad dispute
list.
MID#3974
Dispute Number: 3974
Date(s): March 15, 1991 to January 2, 1992
Participants: 2 United States of America, 200 United Kingdom, 220 France/645 Iraq
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Imposed)
Fatalities: Missing