WASHINGTON, May 24, 2007 – Military forces in Iraq need to prepare for a possible increase in violence in July and August, defense leaders told Pentagon reporters today.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the United States is dealing with a “smart, agile, thinking enemy” in Iraq that’s technologically sophisticated and understands what’s happening in the United States. That includes debate about Iraq.
As a result, Gates said, it’s likely that these forces will increase their violence during the summer months, before Multinational Force Iraq Commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus issues an assessment in September.
“I think we should be prepared for them to make a very strong effort to increase the level of violence in July and August,” the secretary said. “My hope is that anticipating it will allow us to thwart it.”
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