A LOOK AT IRAQI PRISONERS
Marine Brig. Gen. Richard I. Neal, deputy director of operations for the U.S. Central Command in Saudi Arabia, discussed Iraqi EPWs--or Enemy Prisoners of War--at a briefing:
Eight Iraqis surrendered to U.S. forces Thursday night and Friday
A U.S. profile of Iraqi prisoners of war shows most are low-ranking soldiers, including privates and PFCs.
Significant number are veterans of the Iran-Iraq War recalled to service.
60% of the prisoners deserted or surrendered willingly.
40% surrendered under fire, many in the Khafji engagement.
Main impediments to possible mass surrenders: minefields, preventive squads associated with the Republican Guard and fear of retaliation against families.
More than 1,000 Iraqi soldiers have surrendered to U.S. and Saudi troops since the war began.
Meanwhile, officials in southeastern Turkey reported that 500 Iraqi soldiers and civilians have crossed the border in the past four days.
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