Keep them guessing

Defence Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told reporters Thursday that the strikes against several military leadership facilities in and around Baghdad — spurred by fresh intelligence that Saddam and his top commanders were present — is the kind of martial event that will be seen over the coming days. ‘‘Any war plan reflects the reality that one would take opportunities that present themselves,’’ said Rumsfeld.

‘‘One has to take account of the realities that you find in the world. And that is what was done (Wednesday) evening. That is what will be done today and tomorrow and the next day. And to not do that would be a terrible mistake.’’

General Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed that view at the briefing. ‘‘Having intelligence agencies and armed forces that are flexible is key to victory, and that’s what you saw,’’ he said. Those familiar with the war plan expected Operation Iraqi Freedom to begin with a lethal hailstorm of several thousand precision bombs and missiles, followed by a rapid dash by Army and Marine units into Iraq. Such a barrage may still happen, but military officials made clear that they can also bide their time, using surveillance aircraft, sophisticated intelligence equipment and the world’s most advanced weaponry to dog Iraqi leaders.

Military officials said they would release no information on Wednesday night’s lightning attack that sources said included 40 cruise missiles fired by Navy ships and precision bombs from F-117A Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft.

There was no official releases on the number of missiles and bombs, the number of locations attacked or the number of Iraqi officials thought to be in the cross hairs. ‘‘We do not really want the Iraqis to know how many missiles they got hit with,’’ said a senior military official. ‘‘We want to keep them guessing, off balance.’’

What the Pentagon decided to broadcast, over both Iraqi and American airwaves, was Rumsfeld’s news briefing, which provided little detailed information on the attacks but emphasised several points: Allied forces are preparing to liberate the Iraqi people, civilians should stay inside and clear of advancing troops, and Iraqi officers will face war crimes if they use chemical or biological weapons.

US officials also are saying that they are stepping up their psychological warfare campaign, with more radio broadcasts and leaflet drops into Iraq.

While bombs were falling in Baghdad and special operators were ranging far and wide, Army and Marine missiles and howitzers started chipping away at Iraqi artillery and troops near Kuwait and began rolling into the country.

The US artillery, from multiple-launch rocket systems to 155-mm howitzers, are guided by a sophisticated radar called Q37 that can pinpoint enemy artillery pieces.

With control of the skies, the US forces can also achieve tactical surprise and uncertainty among Iraqi leadership with its attack aircraft, including Apache Longbow helicopters, which can leapfrog over Iraqi forces, as well as such innovative weapons as bomb-carrying drones. (LATWP)