Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/19/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/IRAQ (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-310019

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has defended the use of heavy weapons by coalition troops as they step up their campaign against insurgent forces in Iraq. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: In recent days, U-S military commanders in Iraq have used warplanes, attack helicopters, tanks and artillery to pound suspected insurgent targets, hoping to break the back of the anti-coalition opposition.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld tells reporters at the Pentagon U-S commanders are simply adjusting their tactics as circumstances on the ground change and as their intelligence information improves.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

They're finding targets that are appropriate and they're, needless to say, anxious to attack any targets of opposition that exist in the country.

///END ACTUALITY///

Some Iraqi civilians have complained the coalition is using what they charge is excessive force.

U-S commanders have dismissed such charges. For his part, Mr. Rumsfeld says the use of heavy weapons such as 900-kilogram bombs against some targets is merited.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

That means you've got a target that merits it and that means, as I say, that intelligence comes along that enables you to use capabilities that you can't use, for example, if you're driving down the street and an improvised explosive device goes off.

///END ACTUALITY///

He says some of the targets so far have included buildings used by anti-coalition forces to make explosive devices -- which have regularly claimed the lives of American soldiers.

Nearly 300 U-S troops have died as a result of hostile action in Iraq, more than half since the end of major combat operations last May. Sixteen have been the victims this month of home-made bombs. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/RH