SPACE WIRE
Saddam calls on Baghdad residents to resist US forces
BAGHDAD (AFP) Apr 04, 2003
 Iraqi President Saddam Hussein called on Baghdad residents in a televised address Friday evening to "forcefully hit" US forces closing in on the capital.

"Hit them with the power of faith wherever they come near you, and resist, oh brave inhabitants of Baghdad," the Iraqi leader said, reading out his message in a solemn tone.

"God willing, you will be victorious and they will be defeated," said Saddam, who last appeared on television on March 24.

Information Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahhaf earlier warned of "martyrdom" and other unconventional attacks later Friday against US troops he said were "isolated" at Saddam International Airport on the outskirts of the capital.

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