Thu, Mar 20, 2003
With President Bush's deadline for Saddam Hussein
to leave Iraq fast approaching, coalition aircraft dropped almost 2
million leaflets over Iraq March 19, U.S. Central Command officials
said.
This was the second million-plus leaflet drop in two days.
Coalition forces use the flyers and Commando Solo broadcasts into
the country to get information to Iraqi citizens. Saddam Hussein
controls all other aspects of information in the country.
The leaflets dropped today warned Iraqis to stay away from
military targets. They informed the Iraqi people that coalition
forces do not wish to harm them. Leaflets also pointed to
frequencies for Commando Solo broadcasts.
Other leaflets stress that if Saddam Hussein uses chemical or
biological weapons against the coalition, the main casualties will
be Iraqi civilians. An English translation of one of the leaflets
says, "Coalition forces are prepared and well-equipped to defend
themselves against chemical weapons attacks. Your comrades and
innocent Iraqi people will be victims if Saddam uses chemical
weapons."
The leaflets urge Iraqi soldiers not to use
chemical weapons and warns they will be prosecuted as war criminals
if they do.
The drops bring the total of leaflets dropped in Iraq to more
than 15 million this year. DoD officials said they believe the
leaflets are having an effect on the Iraqi population.
News reports indicate that residents of Baghdad are taking the
warnings seriously. Reporters are saying many Iraqis are sealing
rooms in anticipation of a chemical or biological attack.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]