The latest Iraq update was provided by US Brig.-Gen. Vincent Brooks from the US Central Command in Qatar.
General Brooks explained to reporters that the Iraqi "regime demonstrated brutality and disregard for the laws of armed conflict," adding the coalition forces "are demonstrating courage and resolve to remove this regime from power."
Over 47 countries are now contributing to the operation, "all unified in purpose", to remove Saddam Hussein from power.
Brooks added Iraqi citizens were being "marched out into the fields while they were firing," explaining the Iraqis were using their own people as human shields.
General Brooks declined to release numbers when questioned regarding casualties, adding US injuries and fatalities are within the numbers expected in the planning of the major offensive.
When questioned if the harsh weather conditions play a role in the ongoing operation, the brigadier-general explained that weather plays a role in all military operations, from the lowest to the highest levels, and the ongoing offensive is not an exception.
Brooks stated "soldiers, airmen and marines have been vaccinated and inoculated" against chemical warfare, explaining "the regime" is capable of and willing to use non-conventional weapons against coalition forces. He added the coalition is well aware the threat of being targeted with non-conventional weaponry increases as troops get closer to Baghdad, assuring reporters the coalition forces are well trained and equipped to deal whatever Iraqi forces use against them.
General Brooks explained to reporters that the Iraqi "regime demonstrated brutality and disregard for the laws of armed conflict," adding the coalition forces "are demonstrating courage and resolve to remove this regime from power."
Over 47 countries are now contributing to the operation, "all unified in purpose", to remove Saddam Hussein from power.
Brooks added Iraqi citizens were being "marched out into the fields while they were firing," explaining the Iraqis were using their own people as human shields.
General Brooks declined to release numbers when questioned regarding casualties, adding US injuries and fatalities are within the numbers expected in the planning of the major offensive.
When questioned if the harsh weather conditions play a role in the ongoing operation, the brigadier-general explained that weather plays a role in all military operations, from the lowest to the highest levels, and the ongoing offensive is not an exception.
Brooks stated "soldiers, airmen and marines have been vaccinated and inoculated" against chemical warfare, explaining "the regime" is capable of and willing to use non-conventional weapons against coalition forces. He added the coalition is well aware the threat of being targeted with non-conventional weaponry increases as troops get closer to Baghdad, assuring reporters the coalition forces are well trained and equipped to deal whatever Iraqi forces use against them.