Media blamed 'for Iraq attacks' (UK general on Black Watch attacks)

[Barrett808]

General Walker said reports could have incited Iraqi attacks
The UK's most senior military officer has blamed media coverage on the Black Watch redeployment for attacks which claimed several soldiers' lives.

Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Michael Walker said the media's coverage may have prompted Iraqi insurgents to attack the soldiers.

He told BBC Two's Newsnight programme attack were "enhanced" by reports.

Five members of the 850-strong battlegroup died during attacks when they moved closer to Baghdad.

"The contribution towards the initial attacks against the Black Watch was certainly enhanced by, if you like, a media picture that was being laid across a number of channels in all sorts of places," he said.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4083939.stm