In terms of SF deployment, it hinges on up-to-date intel all the
time. Given that Saddam knows that US is eyeing him like an eagle,
it would be difficult to pin-point him. Not to mention his personal
bodyguards who are fanatically loyal to him. Not mission impossible
but probably mission almost impossible.
In my opinion, US should buy over an immediate family of Saddam.
Lie to him that he will be the next president. From him, get all
available intel off him, and then kill Saddam and him together.
Afterall, anyone who can betray his family is very likely to do the
same again.
Gunships and Pave Low SF heavy heli will be required. However,
there might be a need to take out SAM sites by fighters before SF
operators can be sent in. And then there is the issue of a stand-by
ground force really to roll into Iraq once the primary objectives
of eliminating Saddam and Co. is accomplished.
Another method is to airborne insert using HAHO (high altitude high
opening). This way, SF operators can glide towards objective
without being picked up by radar. This too required a stand-by
force of SF operators for back-up ready to be inserted by heli from
nearby location. As usual, a task force group of amour and infantry
will be needed immediately after the assasination.
The problem with the above 2 scenarios is in the event of failure,
the extradiction of SF will be very difficult and possibilities of
getting SF casualties and POW is very high.
3rd scenario, multi-prong attack. SF group 1 to hit saddam, SF
group 2 to secure air strips. Air cavalry with air transportable
light tanks and arty pieces to immediately deploy after securing
the air strip. Large group of ground forces of heavy armour, arty
and infantry to strike at the same time SF attacks begin.
In all 3 scenarios, I stressed that US air force will have to
support the ground troops all the time. So the essence of such
attacks depend on gaining air superiority at the earliest possible
time. Of course in all 3 scenarios, the logistics can be a
nightmare, but still it is possible. Lastly, ground and air
reconnaissance is a must. No recce equals to no eyes and no ears
which equate to high casuality rate and failure to accomplish
primary objective (kill saddam).
What do you guys think? Comments welcome as I admit there are flaws
in my plan which I might not see it now.
