[This story has gone into the memory hole, but I found a few copies via google. David Kay, whose expertise lies in nuclear weapons, offered his impromptu analysis of alleged bio-weapons production trailers.]
Suspected bioweapons labs found; three trailers believed to be mobile laboratories
MSNBC -- May 11, 2003
Military teams searching for biological and chemical weapons in Iraq found three trailers believed to be mobile biological weapons laboratories capable of producing deadly germs for weapons, NBC News reported.
The teams found the trailers at a bombed-out rocket and missile factory near Mosul in northern Iraq. One of the trailers was missing its canvas cover, wheels and plumbing -- most likely taken by looters -- but the essential parts, including a compressor and dryer needed to produce weapons grade anthrax, were intact. Military teams were conducting tests for traces of biological weapons, according to NBC News.
Former U.N. weapons inspector David Kay told NBC there was no other possible purpose for the lab. "This is it," he said.
The New York Times, meanwhile, reported on what appears to be the same lab in its Sunday editions.
The newspaper quoted a leader of one of the teams of experts as saying the laboratory could be used for medicinal and peaceful purposes, as well as for making deadly germs for weapons. The paper quoted the unidentified special forces officer as saying that Iraq's failure to disclose the site showed that the ousted regime had violated U.N. disarmament demands.
"The failure to disclose such equipment is a clear violation of United Nations sanctions and an indication of ill intent," the Times quoted the team leader as saying.
Despite U.S. claims that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction, none have been found since American-led forces seized Baghdad and toppled the regime a month ago. Many of Saddam's elite units failed to mount a credible resistance, leading to suspicions that some of them may be trying to reorganize.
The possible find also comes as the 75th Exploitation Task Force directing the search for weapons of mass destruction is making plans to head home in June,The Washington Post reported.
Last week, the Pentagon reported the discovery of another suspected mobile lab. That lab was scrubbed with a bleach-like substance to remove any possible trace of biological weapons, officials said, but was capable of producing them.