Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/25/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BASRA / UNREST (S)

NUMBER=2-301297

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Reports from the Southern Iraqi city of Basra say there have been protests against Iraqi rule. One British military official is quoted as saying that Iraqi troops have fired on the protesters. Correspondent Nick Simeone tells us the situation in Iraq's second largest city is uncertain at this hour.

TEXT: Civilian unrest is reported to have broken out in Basra just after British forces in the area seized a member of Iraq's ruling Baath party. British troops have been on the outskirts of Basra since the bulk of U-S forces pushed north toward Baghdad at the start of the invasion.

A British journalist near Basra says Iraqi troops have been firing on civilian protesters and coalition forces have been firing back at Iraqi troops.

Iraq's information minister strongly denies an anti-government uprising is underway in Basra. U-S military officials in Qatar say they are trying to learn more about the situation.

Asked about the reports of an uprising, U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld expressed caution, saying he would be very careful about encouraging people to rise up. He said U-S officials know there are supporters of the regime who are ready to shoot opponents of the government.

Iraq's Shiite majority attempted an uprising in Basra at the end of the gulf war 12 years ago only to be brutally crushed by Saddam Hussein's forces. (SIGNED)

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