16,000 More Reservists Called to Duty

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military said Wednesday that it has activated almost 16,000 more Reserve troops, bringing the total number to almost 95,000 -- the most since the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

Tens of thousands of part-time troops have been called to duty since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Many are now moving to the gulf region along with more than 100,000 U.S. regular troops, ships and warplanes in a buildup for a possible war with Iraq.

The U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday that it was sending eight cutters to the gulf.

Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that the ships would protect ports in the region and keep watch for potential suicide attacks on ships by explosives-laden small boats.

A total of 106,000 U.S. reservists served full-time duty in the region during the Gulf War.