Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 3/24/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= PENTAGON / DECEPTION (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-301238

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Pentagon says the Iraqi regime is engaged in more of what one senior official terms "deadly deception" --- and the latest could prove lethal to journalists on the battlefield. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke says examples of Iraqi deception include the use by Iraqi troops of white surrender flags or civilian clothing to lure coalition forces into ambushes.

In addition, Ms. Clarke discloses there are now signs some Iraqi forces may be masquerading as journalists.

///CLARKE ACTUALITY///

We have had some information that the Iraqi military might equip vehicles and Iraqi soldiers to look like news media.

///END ACTUALITY///

She says such treachery is what she terms despicable behavior. But she insists it will not affect the progress of the coalition drive towards Baghdad. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/MAR