Iraq's missiles worry US

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States 'is very concerned' about Iraq's placement of anti- aircraft missiles near the area patrolled by US fighter jets and will not allow such activity to put American pilots at risk, officials said yesterday.

White House and Pentagon officials said Iraq had placed Soviet-made, surface-to-air missiles along the 32nd parallel, bordering the zone established to protect Shia Muslims provinces from Iraqi air attacks.

'We're monitoring the missiles. We're very concerned. We're still considering our options,' said White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater.