Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7/23/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON / WOLFOWITZ (L)

NUMBER=2-305737

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A senior U-S defense official says some of the deaths of American soldiers in Iraq are the result of attacks which he says are being carried out by "contract killers." More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz now admits the biggest pre-war mistake of U-S military planners was underestimating the post-war resistance shown by supporters of Saddam Hussein's ousted regime.

But Mr. Wolfowitz, just back from a five day fact-finding trip to Iraq, says there is a difference to the guerrilla-style attacks being launched against American troops.

///WOLFOWITZ ACTUALITY///

I believe this will go down as the first guerrilla tactic [war] in history in which contract killings, killings for hire, going out and soliciting young men for 500 dollars to take a shot at an American, was the principal tactic employed.

///END ACTUALITY///

Since the end of major combat operations [May 1], more than three dozen U-S soldiers have died as the result of hostile action in Iraq.

Mr. Wolfowitz claims mid-to-upper level leaders of the former Baathist regime are seeking out what he calls "facilitators" who then find young men willing to attack American troops for money.

///WOLFOWITZ ACTUALITY///

It's clear they're happy to send young men out to die, and the young men, apparently at the moment, will do a lot for a little bit of money. But I think the key to that is cleaning up the middle and upper levels.

///END ACTUALITY///

Pressed by reporters, the deputy defense secretary declines to give additional details. But he says ample evidence has been obtained by the military, some of it from Iraqis.

///WOLFOWITZ ACTUALITY///

I think the evidence for that comes from a lot of sources; it comes from Iraqis telling them that. I didn't only hear it from the military, by the way, I heard it from Iraqis that we talked to. I'm sure it comes from individuals that they capture.

///END ACTUALITY///

During a briefing for Pentagon reporters, Mr. Wolfowitz said that what he termed a "pervasive fear of the old regime" still exists among Iraqis.

But he says events like this week's killings of the fugitive sons of Saddam Hussein by U-S troops will help enormously in lifting what he calls "the blanket of fear." (Signed)

NEB/BEL/RH