Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq became an independent kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of military strongmen have ruled the country since then, the latest being SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-1988). In August 1990 Iraq seized Kuwait, but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during January-February 1991. The victors did not occupy Iraq, however, thus allowing the regime to stay in control. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. UN trade sanctions remain in effect due to incomplete Iraqi compliance with relevant UNSC resolutions. - US CIA World Factbook

Photo thanks to Peregrin Pascual.---Photo thanks to Peregrin Pascual.
Fiat CV-33

An unknown quantity (possibly 16?) of these tankettes was purchased in the 1930s. On May 22 1941, two light tanks (of unknown type but possibly CV-33 units) were knocked out during Iraqi counter-attack on Allied forces at Fallujah.

Iraqi Crossley armored cars - Photo thanks to Peregrin Pascual.---Photo thanks to Peregrin Pascual.---Photo thanks to Peregrin Pascual.
Crossley Armored Cars

An unknown quantity of these armored cars were obtained. These units had 6 wheels and armed with 2 Vickers Machine Guns. They were similar to the British Crossley Mk.1 but were equipped with different turrets. Allied forces captured 10 of these (or possibly mixed with unknown types) armored cars on May 6, 1941 on the Habbaniyah plateau.

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Armored Train

One Iraqi armored train was captured by Allied forces near Basra in May of 1941. Exact composition of this train is unknown.

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Last Update: Thursday, February 13, 2003

In your face Saddam!