Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/21/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON / IRAQ (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-299916

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The number of U-S forces poised for a possible attack on Iraq is rapidly approaching the 200-thousand mark. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says U-S forces are prepared to move against Iraq now if called upon to do so by President Bush.

Those forces, including ground, air and naval units, currently total some 194-thousand in and around the Gulf. A senior Pentagon official says 99-thousand of the troops are in Kuwait.

Thousands more U-S military personnel are still flowing into the region. Some defense officials say the ultimate attack force could surpass 250-thousand soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.

Britain has also sent troops to the Gulf for a potential war. And Mr. Rumsfeld says other countries have offered support as well for an operation designed to force Iraq to give up its programs for weapons of mass destruction. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/RH