Iraqi soldiers claim al-Qaida terrorists in Iraq
Captured Iraqi soldiers have told British interrogators that al-Qaida terrorists are fighting on the side of Saddam Hussein’s forces against allied troops near Basra.
At least a dozen members of Osama bin Laden’s network are in the town of Az Zubayr where they are co-ordinating grenade and gun attacks on coalition positions, according to the Iraqi prisoners of war.
It is believed that British forces are preparing a military strike on the base where the al-Qaida unit is understood to be holed up.
A senior British military source inside Iraq said tonight: “The information we have received from PoWs today is that an al-Qaida cell may be operating in Az Zubayr. There are possibly around a dozen of them and that is obviously a matter of concern to us.”
If terrorists are found, it would be the first proof of a direct link between Saddam’s regime and Osama bin Laden.
The connection would give credibility to the argument that Tony Blair used to justify war against Saddam – a “nightmare scenario” in which he might eventually pass weapons of mass destruction to terrorists.
On Wednesday Donald Rumsfeld, the US defence secretary said the coalition had solid evidence that senior al-Qaida operatives have visited Baghdad in the past. Mr Rumsfeld said Saddam had an “evolving” relationship with the terror network.
Military commanders have decided against launching an attack on Basra because of fears the operation would result in a Stalingrad-style street battle.
It is estimated the Iraqi military forces in the area have been reduced to 30% fighting strength but have now embedded themselves within civilian buildings in the city.
Armed raids have destroyed transmitters and taken state radio and television off the air in Basra.
British tanks from the 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats, could be sent into Basra if there is a sudden civilian uprising against Saddam’s forces.
Forces around the city heard loud explosions as coalition helicopter gunships were sent into the area.
