This story is from our news.com.au network Source: AFP
'Saddam' letter urges jihad
From a correspondent in Iraq
20oct03
A LETTER purportedly written by ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, and which
emerged today, urges tribal leaders to launch a jihad, or holy war, against
"the hated invaders" and those who cooperate with them.
"I urge you to help your brothers in the resistance. Call the sons of your
tribes to the jihad because the day of salvation is near," the message,
obtained by AFP, said.
The letter, dated October 9 and bearing Saddam's signature, was distributed on
October 13 to about 20 people in Saddam's stronghold of Tikrit - a flashpoint
of anti-US violence - according to people who call themselves "men of Saddam
Hussein".
It was not clear whether Saddam's signature on the note was authentic.
The message praised those who struck at the "invader", a reference to US-led
coalition troops who ousted him from power.
"Your strikes, which they did not expect, hurt them. Their demons made them
believe Iraq would be just a mouthful. To the contrary, it has been poison for
them."
"Victory is near," the note said, urging tribal chiefs to unite.
"Strike with an iron fist any person ... who serves the hated invader," it
said.
He also urged the tribal chiefs to stage a peaceful protest on October 15 to
denounce the US military occupation.
On that day, several people fired shots in the air in Baghdad to mark the
anniversary of a pro-Saddam referendum, and one person was wounded in Baqubah,
60km north-east of the capital, when Iraqi police fired shots to disperse a
similar demonstration.
The message closes by stating: "God is Great. Long live Iraq. Long live Arab
and free Palestine."
The typewritten letter bears the Iraqi presidential seal.
US troops have been searching for the former dictator since they seized Baghdad
on April 9.
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