
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, October 5, 1993                   TAG: 9310050243
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

MORE TOP UNITS GO TO SOMALIA; U.S. DEAD NOW AT 12

The Pentagon ordered fresh infantry, aerial gunships and top-of-the-line tanks to Somalia on Monday to bolster U.S. forces after at least 12 Americans were killed, 78 wounded and others captured in the fiercest fighting since the mission began.

The casualties, inflicted by the forces of warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid, were the most for the United States in such a short period since the Persian Gulf War. The battle began late Sunday and stretched into Monday.

On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers called for U.S. withdrawal, but President Clinton insisted American forces would remain until order was restored.

Reinforcements were being sent, he said, because "I'm not satisfied that the folks that are there now have the protection that they need."

Disturbing pictures of dead and captured American soldiers filtered back from Mogadishu. Television footage showed a frightened, wounded soldier being questioned by his captors - prompting a warning from Clinton.

If any U.S. soldiers are mistreated, he said, "the United States - not the United Nations - will view this very gravely and take appropriate action."

Pentagon officials declined to specify the number it believes are being held.

A gruesome photograph showed cheering Somalis dragging by rope the body of an unidentified American through the streets.

A U.N. official in New York said the two men who were most wanted after Aidid were captured in the battle.

Keywords:
INFOLINE FATALITY

by CNB