IRAQ-CONFLICT: Baghdad forces ready to crush invaders, says information

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

Att.Editors: The following item is from the Qatar News Agency (QNA)

BAGHDAD, Apr 8 2003 (IPS) - Iraqi Information Minister Mohammad Saeed Al-Sahaf has said on Tuesday that bombing on Baghdad has targeted the radio and TV building and some parts of Mariam Church, nearby the presidential compound and the Iraqi Planning Ministry.

The bombardment also targeted civilian quarters and offices of Al Jazeera and Abu Dhabi satellite TV channels.

In press remarks to journalists here today and carried by Al Arabia TV channel, Al-Sahaf described the US air strikes as – desperate attempts to weaken the Iraqi capital".

Al-Sahaf said Baghdad forces and especially the commandos are preparing to crush the invading forces. We have burned a number of armored personnel carriers and tanks at Al Rasheed camp, said the Iraqi information minister.

The situation is now under control and Saddam Fedayeen are now striking at some enemy targets. ‘‘We have imprisoned the aggression forces inside their tanks and will be dealt with in a suitable manner.” Al-Sahaf told reporters.

The Iraqis will not surrender to the US-British aggression forces but on the contrary these forces shall surrender, Al-Sahaf said.

He added that Iraqi soldiers have burned a number of personnel carriers and tanks at Al Rashid camp and now separated those who entered the city from the rest of their forces.

Al Quds army has hit their (the enemy) tanks in the rear and set them ablaze, Al-Sahaf told reporters.