Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/22/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / FRANKS / CAMPAIGN (S)

NUMBER=2-301136

BYLINE=ROGER WILKISON

DATELINE=DOHA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The commander of U-S forces in Iraq, General Tommy Franks, promises that the campaign he is waging will be unlike any other in history. As we hear from V-O-A's Roger Wilkison, General Franks says his forces are attacking on their own terms and taking care to avoid civilians.

TEXT: In his first news conference since the war began on Thursday, General Franks told reporters at his headquarters in Qatar that the U-S led coalition has made a huge effort to be precise in its targeting in order to avoid civilians whenever possible.

General Franks says his campaign is based on a flexible mix of special forces, ground troops and air power that allows his commanders to attack Iraqi forces as they see fit.

///FRANKS ACTUALITY///

This will be a campaign unlike any other in history, a campaign characterized by shock, by surprise, by flexibility, by the employment of precise munitions on a scale never before seen, and by the application of overwhelming force.

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The general warned that tough days may lie ahead for allied troops, especially as they approach Baghdad. But he says he has no doubt that his forces will be successful. (signed)

NEB/RW/DW/RH