Army Says Prince Harry Will Go to Iraq War

British Prince Will be Deployed to Iraq 

Militants in Iraq say they plan to target Prince Harry. Many soldiers do not want him deployed in their companies, fearing they will be in more danger than they already are.

LONDON — The head of the British army said yesterday he has personally decided that Prince Harry will serve with a combat unit in Iraq, where 100 American troops and 12 British soldiers were killed in April.

Gen. Sir Richard Dannatt said the decision on Harry's deployment would be kept under review, but he hoped his statement would end media speculation on the subject.

"I would urge that the somewhat frenzied media activity surrounding this particular story should cease in the interests of the overall security of all our people deployed in Iraq," Dannatt said.

Military brass were reported to have been reconsidering the prince's deployment with his unit for fear his presence would endanger other soldiers. Militants have threatened to hunt him down.

Clarence House, Prince Charles's London office, would not comment on the general's statement.  

Harry, a 22-year-old second lieutenant and third in line to the throne, is a tank commander trained to lead a 12-man team in four armoured reconnaissance vehicles. If deployed, he would become the first royal to serve in a war zone since his uncle, Prince Andrew, flew as a helicopter pilot in Britain's conflict with Argentina over the Falkland Islands in 1982.

The 12 deaths in April was the highest monthly toll for the British since the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion began.

The U.S. military said five American soldiers were killed in Iraq over the weekend, pushing the death toll past 100 and making April the deadliest month for American forces so far this year.

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