LIBYAN CW PLANT AT RABTA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90G01353R001200180001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 4, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 23, 1988
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/09/04
CIA-RDP90G01353R001200180001-3
Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/09/04
CIA-RDP90G01353R001200180001-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/09/04 :CIA-RDP90G01353R001200180001-3
TO~ECRET
The Deputy rector of Central Intelligence
Washington, D. C 20505
23 December 1988
NOTE T0: Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs
SUBJECT: Libyan CW Plant at Rabta
Attached. is a review of the evidence supporting
our case that chemical weapons are being produced
at Rabta. T think you will-agree that, taken
together, the evidence is convincing.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Attachment:
As Stated
Orig -- Addressee
1 -- DDCI
1 -- DCI
1 -- ER
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Central Intelligence Agency ,
Office of the Deputy Director for Intelligence
NOTE T0: Director of Central Intelligence
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
The attached memo reviews the physical
evidence that makes our analysts confident the
Libyan chemical facility at Rabta is designed
for military rather than civilian purposes.
An additional consideration is that Rabta
is administratively linked to other Libyan
military development programs. Rabta is
controlled by the Tajura Nuclear Research
Center, which not only is involved in the Libyan
nuclear program but also_
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'ncludes a site for filling
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and storing chemical munitions. We also have
evidence that the portion of the Rabta Technology
Center that performs metal fabrication may have
a role in Libya's surface-to-surface missile
program and in the repair of armored vehicles.
Richard J. Kerr
Deputy Director for Intelligence
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? S~RET
~ 5 NOV 198
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
`II A: Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
FROM: Richard J. Kerr
Deputy Director for Intelligence
SUBJECT: Rabta Chemical Warfare (CW) Production
Facility in Libya
1, Action: None. In reference to the questions raised by
Lieutenant General Colin L. Powell at your meeting on November 17, 1988,
the following information is provided:
a. We believe it unlikely that the chemical warfare
production facility located at the Technology Center near Rabta
was intended for a purpose other than chemical warfare (CW) agent
production. The types of precursor chemicals and equipment at the
site--when viewed in total--can indicate only CW agent, i.e.,
mustard and sarin, production. Any one o? the precursor
chemicals, by themselves, or the equipment on its own could be
used to argue the point that the facility has a legitimate
purpose. The precursor chemicals present at the plant could be
used legitimately to manufacture pesticides and dyestuffs, but. not
pharmaceuticals, which the Libyans contend is its true purpose.
However, we believe that the combination of the chemical warfare.
agent precursor chemicals present and the corrosion resistant
equipment are indicative of CW agent production. In addition, the
Rabta facility is over-designed to serve as a pharmaceutical.
plant.
b. Another strong indication of CW agent production is the
security at the site which far exceeds that required for a
commercial chemical plant. The site is guarded by Libyan
soldiers, and specially coded badges are reportedly required for
access. In terms of air defense, this is probably now the most
heavily defended site in Libya.
there are SA-8, SA-6, SA-3 and
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is supported by SA-5s at Al' Azizyah.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/09/04 :CIA-RDP90G01353R001200180001-3
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SEC~ET
SUBJECT: Rabta Chemical Warfare (CW) Production Facility
in Libya
c. Qadhafi traditionally has acquired more military equipment
than his armed forces can absorb or use mainly because he views
Libya as an arsenal to supply the Arab militaries in the next war
against the Israelis. He also, we believe, values the prestige
and intimidation factors that result from possessing a large,
modern, sophisticated arsenal. We also believe that Qadhafi might
sell or give chemical agents/munitions to an Arab country facing
an immediate security threat if he believed doing so would greatly
enhance Libyan influence with that .government. It is unlikely,
but still possible, that Qadhafi would supply a terrorist group
with chemical agents because we believe he would view the risk of
association with a chemical terrorist attack, and the danger of
severe retaliation, as too great. Moreover, we believe Qadhafi is
satisfied with the level of success his terrorist allies have
achieved with conventional weapons. In either situation, Tripoli
almost certainly would retain control over the use of such agents/
munitions.
2. If we can provide any. further information please let us know.
is ar J. Kerr
Deputy Director for Intelligence
SEC~ET
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SECX~ET
SUBJECT: Rabta Chemical Warfare (CW) Production Facility
In Libya
Distribution:
Orig - Addressee
1 - DDCI
1 - Exec Dir
1 - Exec Reg
1 - DDI
1 - ADDI
1 - DI Registry
1 - OSWR Chrono
1 - STD Chrono
1 - LSB Chrono
OSWR/STD/LSB
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(23 Nov 8s) 25X1
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