Baghdad, March 18 (RHC)-- The U.S. military in southern Iraq is moving troops to larger bases to better protect them.  This move comes after a series of rocket attacks hit a base where Americans are stationed.

Several people were killed and wounded in the previous attacks.  A spokesperson for the Pentagon said the military would not announce a specific timetable for the troop movements.

The Pentagon said that even with several hundred troops leaving the bases, the overall number of U.S. troops in Iraq will stay at about the same.   Some troops will reposition in the country, according to reports. 

The Pentagon says there are roughly 5,200 U.S. military personnel in Iraq, but the actual number has been much higher since tensions were elevated in early January.