In a statement attributed to forces fighting the U.S.-led occupation, resistance pledged not to attack Iraqi police unless they help American troops.
The statement, received by The Associated Press on Monday, also warned Iraqis to stay away from American convoys.
Signed by the "Mujahedeen in Iraq," the statement directed its warning at members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and threatened anyone else who worked with the occupation forces.
The statement vowed resistance would "hit the occupying forces wherever they are."
Meanwhile, some 18,000 National Guard troops from four major units have been placed on alert for likely deployment to Iraq late this year or in early 2005, the Pentagon declared on Monday.
The Guardsmen will be part of a larger force, probably to total some 100,000 active duty and reserve soldiers, that is expected to take over for the contingent just beginning a one-year tour in Iraq.
The Guard units will be mobilized over the next several months to conduct training before their new assignment, the Pentagon said.
The length of their mobilization depends on how much training they need as well as the requirements of the Central Command commander, Gen. John Abizaid, who manages the Iraq operation.
According to The AP, the Pentagon said additional Guard forces will be alerted and mobilized for Iraq duty.
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
