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CNN LIVE AT DAYBREAK

Deadly Peacetime in Post-War Iraq

Aired May 28, 2003 - 05:31   ET

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

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: This is a deadly peacetime in post- war Iraq. Eight American troops have been killed there since Sunday in attacks and accidents.
Matthew Chance live in Baghdad and he has new information to tell us about this morning -- tell us, Matthew.

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thank you, Carol.

And reports have been coming in of yet another attack on U.S. forces. The latest incident reported to us coming from the west of Baghdad, where troops say they were attacked by unknown attackers driving past in a car who threw a grenade at them. Two of their number -- we spoke to a number of the soldiers who were there at a police station in the west of Baghdad, two were injured along -- two soldiers were injured along with an Iraqi child who was talking to the U.S. soldiers as they were guarding that police station in the west of Baghdad.

This latest incident, of course, follows a number of other incidents across the country that have really underscored just how poor the security situation remains across this country.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHANCE (voice-over): Major combat operations are over here, but Iraq is still dangerous for the troops who invaded it. In recent days, attacks on U.S. patrols across the country have increased. There are still scattered opposition forces willing and able to strike. The town of Fallujah has emerged as one deadly flashpoint. It was here on Tuesday morning U.S. officials say their men came under rocket attack and heavy machine gun fire. There's no independent verification, but the U.S. says shots were fired at their patrol of a local mosque.

Outside the town, locals have been picking through the debris of an Army MediVac helicopter. The military says it was struck by one of its own armored vehicles in the confusion of battle. Amid rumors that innocent Iraqis were killed, resentment is running high here. Critics say the U.S. has so far failed to sufficiently win these hearts and minds.

CAPT. DAVID CONNOLLY, U.S. ARMY SPOKESMAN: These events were accidents. Some of them were planned attacks on our forces. However, it's important to note that these incidents alone yesterday do not in themselves show a trend. CHANCE: But if it's not a trend, it is an upsurge. In the hours before the Fallujah attack, U.S. officials say this armored Humvee was blown up on the outskirts of Baghdad. A satchel bomb or mine was thrown beneath it as it passed. The soldier inside was killed. This war may be won for the U.S. and its allies, but violence and bloodshed here endure.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHANCE: Carol, there is a lot of anti-U.S. sentiment on the streets, not just in Baghdad, but elsewhere, too. People are very upset that the U.S. has not done more to provide them with security and to reconnect them with essential services. That coupled with the fact that there are still an unknown number of Saddam Hussein loyalists back there makes for a very dangerous mix for the Iraqi people, and, of course, the U.S. troops patrolling the territory.

COSTELLO: Matthew Chance live from Baghdad this morning.

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