Journo deaths: US blames Saddam

2003-04-08 19:43

Washington - The US defence department said on Tuesday the deaths of two journalists after a US tank opened fire on a Baghdad hotel was "tragic" but laid the blame on the Iraqi regime for putting civilians at risk.

"The loss of any civilian life is tragic," said Bryan Whitman, the Pentagon spokesperson. "We take all measures to prevent the loss of civilian life."

"We don't target journalists. But as we have seen repeatedly the Iraqi regime has put civilians at risk. Baghdad remains a dangerous place," he said.

Two journalists were killed and three wounded when the US tank fired on the Palestine Hotel, where international journalists covering the war are staying.

- AFX