Saddam Returns To Iraq!

By DEBKAfile

5 July 2003

DEBKAfile reports exclusively: Saddam Hussein tape broadcast by Arabic TV al Jazeera Friday is authenticated by Iraqis who worked with him.

Twenty-minute tape recorded on June 14 was received some days before airing. Censored out were the deposed Iraqi ruler’s curses and threats of military retribution against US, President Bush and Jordanian, Saudi and Kuwaiti rulers.

Ousted Iraqi president said he is in Iraq “with small group of companions” and urged Iraq people to help “Jihad cells and brigades” fighting US occupier.

US intelligence estimates areas of Iraq are still controlled by military elements with combat capabilities beyond current guerrilla campaign