Nov. 29 (Bloomberg) -- U.S.-trained Iraqi police may have taken part in some of the attacks on U.S. and Iraqi targets, the Associated Press reported, citing U.S. Army Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez.

``There have been instances where police were coordinating attacks against the coalition and against the people,'' Sanchez said in a briefing in Baghdad, the AP reported. He also said there isn't any evidence that al-Qaeda terrorists have taken part in the incidents, according to the wire service.

Attacks on U.S. troops and others in northern Iraq have increased in the past month. Last week, Major General David Petraeus, the 101st Airborne's commander, said Iraqi resistance was increasing. Guerrillas have launched more than 150 attacks on Iraqi civilian and police targets, the AP said, citing Sanchez.

Sanchez also said the U.S. is increasing the number of infantrymen in Iraq and changing to a force specializing in urban raids from its current strength in tanks and heavy armored vehicles, the AP said. There isn't a need for more forces overall, and the number of troops will decline with the change in emphasis as transportation, logistics and communications people return home, the AP quoted him as saying.

There are currently 130,000 troops in Iraq, the AP said.

(AP 11-29)

For the Web site of the Associated Press, see {NWAP <GO>}.

Last Updated: November 29, 2003 12:46 EST