UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM)

Key Dates

• Established by UNSCR 689 on April 9, 1991, following the forced withdrawal of Iraqi forces from the territory of Kuwait.
• UNIKOM's mandate continues until terminated by Security Council decision.

Staffing

	Authorized	Actual (as of 03/31/01)
		Total	U.S.
Troops	908	904	0
Observers	194	194	11

Financing Kuwait finances two-thirds. Remainder is financed through peacekeeping assessments.

	Total UN Cost	U.S. Assessment
FY-2000	$17 million	$4.3 million
FY-2001 (est.)	$20 million	$5.6 million

Mandate

Monitor the demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait, deter violations of the boundary, and observe any hostile action mounted from the territory of one state against the other.

U.S. Interest

UNIKOM demonstrates the international community's resolve to deter violence of the Iraq-Kuwait boundary. The operation plays an important role in monitoring Iraqi troop movements.