‘Saddam’ tape demands US withdrawal
A new tape purportedly featuring the voice of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has surfaced.
In the audiotape, the voice demands that the US unconditionally withdraw its forces from the country, saying, “We call on you to withdraw your forces as soon as possible, and without any conditions, as you cannot bear any more losses as these losses will be catastrophic for you.”
Broadcast on Dubai-based television station al-Arabiya, the tape urges Iraqis to intensify their attacks against US forces and to “wage holy war by all means against the foolish invaders”.
“O Iraqis! O fighters, men and women, you must tighten the noose around the Americans and increase your attacks against them,” the voice insists.
“You must conduct jihad by all means possible, financial and otherwise.”
The recording is of poor quality and the voice sounds hoarse
Arab channels have aired a number of tapes alleged to feature the voice of Saddam since the US invaded Iraq in April.
The former dictator has not been seen since the start of the war, but is believed to be alive and in hiding.
