• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

April 6, 2003
Release Number: 03-04-65


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Regime Use of Baghdad Mosques and Hospitals

Statement by CENTCOM Director of Strategic Communications Jim Wilkinson:

As the Coalition has continued to destroy the combat capability of the Republican Guard forces, the Iraqi regime has directed these forces to move into areas that put innocent Iraqis in danger and threaten sensitive sites.

Central Command now has reliable information that Iraqi military elements in the Baghdad area are using mosques and hospitals as bases to conduct military operations. These locations include the 'Mother of All Battles Mosque' in Northwest Baghdad, and the Saddam Hospital, which remain on the Coalition's no-strike list.

This action by the Iraqi regime represents just the latest example of the regime's use of sacred and civilian sites for military purposes. Just days ago in An Najaf, regime forces positioned themselves inside the Ali Mosque, one of the most important religious shrines to the Shia around the world. Coalition forces refused to return fire at the regime forces positioned inside the mosque and the facility was protected.

As the Iraqi regime continues to jeopardize Iraq's treasures, the Coalition will continue its efforts to protect innocent Iraqi civilians and sensitive sites from harm.