Iraqi families watch coalition troops travel past them.
Posted on 03/27/2003 6:01:40 AM PST by JohnHuang2
Edited on 03/27/2003 6:03:36 AM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
Coalition commanders are reporting a new low in unconventional warfare on the part of Iraq, with the forced enlistment of children in the battle.
"Our field commanders report that in the vicinity of Najaf ... Iraqi regime forces are seizing children from their homes and telling their families that the males must fight for the regime or they will all face execution," Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks said this morning.
At a press briefing from Central Command headquarters in Doha, Qatar, Brooks told reporters the development represents but one example of the regime's growing and "pronounced" disregard for the Geneva Convention, which governs the rules of engagement.
Iraqi families watch coalition troops travel past them. |
There is evidence the families are choosing battle over execution for their boys.
WTVD-TV reporter Keith Garvin who is traveling with Marines from Camp Lejeune reports youngsters taking part in a two-hour battle between the Marines and Iraqi troops that took place last night behind a Marine camp at An Nasiriyah.
"Unfortunately, some of the children have been firing at our Marines and our Marines have been forced to defend themselves," he said.
Hours before, civilians living behind the camp were seen setting up bunkers and military officials "said they had heard or felt that something bad was going to happen," Garvin reported. He said some of the Iraqi fighters were using women as shields and had given guns to children.
Intelligence reports indicated 2,000 Iraqi troops advanced on the camp in a skirmish which involved the firing of missiles and artillery, and ultimately was augmented with aerial bombing.
Garvin said 25 Marines were wounded in the fight, though none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
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