2004: Lab of Death Found in Fallujah

Note: I am compiling information about the weapons found in Iraq, my hope is to create a "library" of information that will document the discoveries of what Saddam's arsenal contained.


2004- Soldiers Find Chemical Weapons in Fallujah Lab

On November 23, 2004 Coalition and Iraqi soldiers discover a laboratory in Falljuah that is used to produce chemical weapons, poisonous gas, and explosives. Training and research on chemical weapons was also being conducted at this lab. The chemical weapons lab found in Fallujah included instructions on how to manufacture toxins and explosives. In Washington, a US military official confirmed that the lab included instructions to produce anthrax, explosives and chemical blood agents such as cyanide.

When you look at the photos, you will see that the bags containing the chemical weapons are flimsy and are not secured. Some of the bags are transparent, and it appears that a substance is on the outside of the bag. One of the bags of potassium cyanide is marked "CHINA".A label is taped on the front with Islamic script. The bags were placed on shelves, some just sitting on top of each other. The lab does not look sterile or even very advanced. The "recipe book" for chemical weapons is decorated in a tropical theme with a bamboo decorated cover, and leaves going up the side..the writing on the "recipe book" reads "Natural Soft". All the recipes are hand written. Other materials found include blasting caps, switches to initiate explosives, beakers, instructions on how to work with chemical compositions and many chemicals including: ammonium nitrate, sulfuric acid, potassium and sodium cyanide, and brown bottles containing chemicals.

A banner of Abu Musab Zarkawi's terrorist group was also found in the lab.

My question-- The lab is reported to be under the control of "insurgents" when it is discovered. Did the insurgents have enough time, money, resources and connections to build such a sophisticated lab in such a short time--opertaing since the invasion of Iraq in March 2003? It seems to me that what makes more sense is that the insurgents took control of a chemical weapons lab that was abandoned by Saddam's regime.
And how did agents used to make chemical weapons get from China into Iraq?


Much love to the Iraqi and Coalition soldiers--we are so thankful for all of your hard work and efforts.

Sources:

BreakingNews.ie: Fallujah chemical weapons lab found

http://www.breakingnews.ie/2004/11/25/story177589.html

(Includes images of the lab that was "manufacturing death, intoxication and assassination").
CNN.com - Iraqi forces find chemical materials in lab - Nov 25, 2004 http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/11/25/iraq.main/

(Fallujah Update: Multi-National Force Iraq, several pictures with this document)
http://www.defenddemocracy.org/usr_doc/Fallujah-_Chemical_-_Explosives_Weapons_Labratory_Found.pdf