Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/26/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON / CHEMICAL WEAPONS (L)

NUMBER=2-301339

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

INTRO: A U-S general says the discovery of thousands of chemical weapons suits in an Iraqi hospital is reinforcing concerns that Saddam Hussein's military is prepared to use weapons of mass destruction. V-O-A Correspondent Meredith Buel has details from the Pentagon.

TEXT: Briefing reporters at U-S Central Command headquarters in Qatar, Brigadier General Vincent Brooks says American marines discovered three-thousand chemical suits in a hospital in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah.

The marines captured about 170 Iraqi paramilitary fighters in the hospital, which had been turned into an outpost.

Also found were Iraqi weapons and military uniforms.

In addition, the marines confiscated gas masks and antidote injectors to protect against nerve gas.

General Brooks says the discovery is further proof that Saddam Hussein's troops are prepared to use chemical weapons.

/// BROOKS ACT ///

We remain convinced that this regime has not only the means but also the will to use weapons of mass destruction. What we found last night inside of that hospital reinforces our concern in that regard. The danger does increase, we believe, as we approach Baghdad.

/// END ACT ///

General Brooks says coalition forces are well prepared to deal with the potential use of chemical weapons.

He says detection equipment has been deployed, soldiers were vaccinated and have been issued suits to protect them from a chemical attack.

Speaking to the British parliament Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon also expressed concern that Iraq may soon use chemical or biological weapons.

/// HOON ACT ///

To date we have no evidence of Iraqi use of weapons of mass destruction during this campaign. But it is impossible to know whether this is the result of successful military operations or a deliberate tactical judgment of the Iraqi regime. Indeed, we know from prisoners of war that protective equipment was issued to southern Iraqi divisions.

/// END ACT ///

U-S defense officials have repeatedly urged Iraqi commanders not to use weapons of mass destruction.

U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says sketchy intelligence reports suggest the closer coalition forces get to Baghdad and Saddam Hussein's stronghold of Tikrit, the greater the likelihood Iraqi forces will use such weapons. (Signed)

NEB/MB/KBK/RH