Iraqi SCUD missile hits American barracks outside Dhahran, killing at least 12 U.S. soldiers, wounding at least 25, and leaving 40 unaccounted for (cf. 2/26) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 2/26; MET 3/5]; SCUD missiles land in southern Israel; no damage or casualties [IDF 2/25 in FBIS 2/25; MET 3/5].
Baghdad radio announces Iraq's armed forces have been ordered to make an orderly withdrawal from Kuwait in accordance with UN resolution 660; Iraqi tanks and trucks are reported heading north from Kuwait. White House dismisses broadcast, saying there has been no authoritative communication from Baghdad and that to end war Iraq must accept all 12 UN resolutions concerming Gulf crisis [BADS 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/26; MET 3/5].
Pres. of UN Sec. Council calls on Iraq to officially inform him of its willingness to leave Kuwait so that Sec. Council could convene to discuss cease-fire [NYT 2/26].
Iraqi resistance to quickly advancing allied ground troops toughens slightly, but American command reports "tremendous success" all across the front, that allied forces control more than 50% of Kuwait; Saudi and Kuwait forces, backed by U.S. Marines prepare for assault on Kuwait City. Iraqi troops continue to surrender en masse, with POW total now about 20,000-25,000 [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/26].
P.M. Shamir is quoted in French newspaper as saying that Pres. Asad is Israel's "real enemy" [LAT 2/26].
French For. Ministry announces Kuwait will pay to France $1 billion, or about 40% of French expenditures in Gulf conflict [LAT 2/26].