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.

FMI: www.defenselink.mil