Attacks in multiple cities in Iraq on June 24 that killed at least 100 people and wounded another 300 are part of the ongoing effort by Iraqi insurgents "to derail Iraq's transition to self-government," Pentagon spokesman Lawrence DiRita says.

But amidst ongoing violence, DiRita pointed to a clear sign that Iraq's economy is progressing with the opening of Iraq's stock exchange on June 24.

DiRita made his comments during a briefing that touched on a variety of subjects, but -- with input from Brigadier General David Rodriguez -- focused primarily on Iraq.

Rodriguez, who is the deputy director for operations for the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, noted that the closer the June 30 transition date gets -- the more "the extremists extend their efforts to create instability."

"We still have some difficult times ahead of us, but freedom and the Iraqi desire for a safe and secure Iraq remain strong," the military officer said.

Rodriguez said aggressive military patrols are being conducted throughout Iraq. In the past 24 hours, he said 1,700 patrols were conducted "with 20 percent of those combined patrols with Iraqi security forces."

Asked if the average U.S. soldier could expect to see any difference in the conduct of military operations after the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) ceases to exist on June 30, the officer replied: "No, operations will continue pretty much like they are."

But Rodriguez went on to say, "we're not going to sit ... and just hunker down and defend and wait for something to happen. We're going to go out there and continue to provide security and stability to the country."

Asked about a report that another 10,000 to 25,000 U.S. soldiers might be needed soon in Iraq, Rodriguez said no such request has come in from the theater of operations, but he said commanders there will be given whatever is needed to complete their mission.

When asked about plans for CPA Administrator Paul Bremer to extend the immunity from prosecution in Iraq currently granted to U.S. soldiers serving there, DiRita responded that U.S. and Iraqi officials are discussing that subject now. The exact mechanism by which it will occur, he said, has yet to be determined.

DiRita also noted that a Defense Department team briefed House and Senate members June 24 about reports prepared by the International Committee of the Red Cross on its concerns regarding detainees being held in U.S. custody at various locations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.