Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/19/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/SURRENDER (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-300939

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pentagon sources say significant numbers of Iraqi troops are expected to surrender without a fight when U-S led coalition forces stage their highly-anticipated assault on Iraq. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Pentagon sources say they have information that significant numbers of Iraqi troops are poised to give themselves up when U-S led coalition forces start their offensive drive. The sources say they also have information large numbers of Iraqi soldiers have already abandoned their posts, stripped off their uniforms and melted back into the civilian population, some even joining the scores fleeing toward neighboring countries.

These sources aren't giving any details about how they obtained the information. But coalition aircraft have dropped new leaflets giving Iraqi troops specific instructions on how to avoid harm once the allied invasion begins --- advice like tying white flags on combat vehicles.

Asked if there is a potential problem with coalition forces being swamped by surrendering Iraqis, a senior Pentagon official tells V-O-A "it is better to be swamped by surrendering troops than to be shot at by them." (Signed)

NEB/BEL/PT