Military

DATE=7/2/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ WRAP (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-317218

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: Rocket Attacks in Bagdhad Cause Minor Damage

INTRO: Insurgents in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, have fired rockets at two hotels popular with Westerners. Only injuries were reported, but the attack was a reminder that this week's handover of power has not persuaded rebels to end their attacks, which U-S officials say they expect will increase. With 140-thousand American troops forming the backbone of Iraqi security, Correspondent Nick Simeone reports two Arab countries are now offering to send peace-keeping troops to the country as well.

TEXT: /// ACT OF SIRENS ///

A U.S. military spokesman at the scene says Friday's attack on Baghdad's Sheraton Hotel occurred after a vehicle pulled up . . .

/// US MILITARY SPOKESMAN ACT ///

"...and fired a series of rockets toward it. At some point during the attack, evidently the ordinance on the vehicle exploded."

/// END ACT ///

It caused only minor damage to the hotel itself. The attack came though, on the same day that two more American Marines died in combat.

Even though the U.S.-led military coalition has now handed political power back to an interim Iraqi government, more than 150-thousand, mostly American, peace-keeping troops remain in the country battling an on-going insurgency. With the Pentagon now preparing to recall soldiers for duty who have already left the service, Jordan's King Abdullah tells British television he has changed his mind and would now consider sending Jordanian troops to Iraq if the Baghdad government requests them.

/// ABDULLAH ACT ///

"If the Iraqis ask us for help directly, it would be very difficult for us to say no."

/// END ACT ///

And unnamed foreign ministry officials in Yemen tell the Associated Press Yemeni troops could also be sent to Iraq, provided the peace-keeping mission there is put under United Nations command. Either country would become the first Arab nation to contribute troops to the Iraq mission. (SIGNED)

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