Iraqis Reportedly Loading Warplanes With Poison Gas

WASHINGTON —  Iraqi military forces appeared to be loading poison gas munitions aboard combat aircraft, perhaps in preparation for any clash with U.S. or allied forces in the Persian Gulf region, U.S. intelligence officials said Tuesday.

The munitions-loading operation was observed Tuesday, the officials said without offering evidence to support the conclusion.

Neither the CIA nor the White House would comment on the report.

However, according to the officials, the Iraqi forces appeared to be loading poison gas munitions aboard combat aircraft. The action was seen as a potential threat to use the weapons in any military engagement with growing U.S. and allied forces in the region.