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American Troops Prepared to Take Casualties in Philippines VOA News 6 Feb 2002 14:15 UTC 
The head of American forces conducting joint exercises in the southern Philippines says his troops are prepared for casualties during the six-month operation.
Brigadier General Donald Wurster told reporters in Zamboanga city Wednesday there is no question that U.S. soldiers in the Philippines will be in harm's way. He said the U.S. military is prepared to take casualties in operations with local troops aimed at wiping out Muslim rebels.
General Wurster also said the Philippine military has taken risks to help America. He referred to the deaths of more than 40 Philippine soldiers trying to rescue an American missionary couple and a Philippine nurse held captive by the Abu Sayyaf rebels.
As many as 600 U.S. troops ultimately will be involved in the joint operation, which was formally launched last week. Officials from both sides have said the Americans will not be directly involved in combat.
Two Philippine lawyers have challenged the U.S. deployment with a petition in the Supreme Court. And the court has given the government 10 days to explain the deployment.
Some information for this report provided by AP, DPA, and AFP.
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