PAULINE JELINEK and
ROBERT BURNS, Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON – Up to 10,000 U.S. troops will be in Haiti or off its shores by Monday to distribute aid and prevent potential rioting among desperate earthquake survivors, it was disclosed Friday, as President Obama promised long-term reconstruction help.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also said the total American presence in and around the beleaguered country could rise beyond 10,000 as U.S. military officers determine how much assistance may be needed in the days ahead.
His assessment came as the State Department updated the toll of U.S. dead from Tuesday’s 7.0 magnitude quake to six and cautioned that the casualty count is likely to rise still further.