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U.S. Forces Stepping Up Security Tactics in Iraq

Aired May 30, 2003 - 05:03   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: On to the danger zone now, better known as Iraq. U.S. forces are stepping up their security tactics after a rash of attacks killed five U.S. soldiers over the past few days.
We'll take you live to Baghdad now and CNN's Matthew Chance.

He's there with word of extra security -- good morning, Matthew.

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, as well, Carol.

And U.S. commanders here in Iraq say they will crack down hard on the people they believe to be Saddam Hussein loyalists that are orchestrating attacks in various areas of the country against U.S. troops on patrol in streets and towns across the country. In the latest incident confirmed to us by CENTCOM, one U.S. soldier was killed when an unidentified attacker fired a rocket propelled grenade at his U.S. Army convoy to the north of Baghdad. All these attacks, as you say, killing five people in the course of the past week or so, really underlining just how dangerous Iraq continues to be for U.S. forces on the ground here.

In flashpoints outside the capital, U.S. commanders say they may send additional forces to help in the effort to crush the armed opposition there. In Baghdad, patrols and security checks have been stepped up. But U.S. commanders say although major combat operations have come to an end, you know, the war itself is not at an end at this point -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Understand.

Matthew Chance reporting live from Baghdad this morning.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired May 30, 2003 - 05:03   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: On to the danger zone now, better known as Iraq. U.S. forces are stepping up their security tactics after a rash of attacks killed five U.S. soldiers over the past few days.
We'll take you live to Baghdad now and CNN's Matthew Chance.

He's there with word of extra security -- good morning, Matthew.

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, as well, Carol.

And U.S. commanders here in Iraq say they will crack down hard on the people they believe to be Saddam Hussein loyalists that are orchestrating attacks in various areas of the country against U.S. troops on patrol in streets and towns across the country. In the latest incident confirmed to us by CENTCOM, one U.S. soldier was killed when an unidentified attacker fired a rocket propelled grenade at his U.S. Army convoy to the north of Baghdad. All these attacks, as you say, killing five people in the course of the past week or so, really underlining just how dangerous Iraq continues to be for U.S. forces on the ground here.

In flashpoints outside the capital, U.S. commanders say they may send additional forces to help in the effort to crush the armed opposition there. In Baghdad, patrols and security checks have been stepped up. But U.S. commanders say although major combat operations have come to an end, you know, the war itself is not at an end at this point -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Understand.

Matthew Chance reporting live from Baghdad this morning.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com