2003-Black Watch Finds Hidden Bunker in Basra

"There are no missiles that are contrary to the prescription of the United Nations in Iraq. They are no longer there.." --Translator for Saddam Hussein, interview with Dan Rather, Feb. 27, 2003.

By "coincedence" the Dan Rather interview with Saddam Hussein aired in Iraq on March 20, 2003--four days later, British troops from the Black Watch Regiment found hidden bunkers containing prohibited cruise missiles outside of Basra. The entrance to the bunker was decorated with pictures of none other than Saddam Hussein.

What is marked on the maps as the "Zubayr heliport" really is a complex of 22 reinforced underground bunkers, 48 arms storage sheds piled "floor to cieling" with hundreds of thouands of rounds of ammunition, mines, rocket-propelled grenades, detonators, and cruise missiles. One missile found was between 30 and 40 ft long. Two Russian made al-Harith missiles were found--which are long range missiles. Nine warheads were also found. It is believed Saddam's southern army abandoned the site. Some of the missiles were still in their crates, and had been stamped with the date 2002. Corporal Iain Robertson reports that the missiles were found when troops noticed children were breaking into the heliport--and upon closer inspection, Black Watch found the doors to the bunker wide open. Also found was leaflets on the floor, dropped from the Coalition, urging Saddam's army to surrender. Questions remain as to how Saddam obtained these weapons--some have come from Russia and Britain--and how he obtained the money to pay for this (Oil for Food?). However, there is no question about the bravery and hard work of our troops. Excellent work Black Watch Regiment, we support you!

For More Information on this Story:
Guardian Unlimited Special reports Troops find hidden Iraqi cruise missiles http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,11816,920653,00.html

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Saddam Hussein has violated more than 17 UN Resolutions from 1990-2002, and has refused to disarm. Saddam Hussein was removed from power to offer stability, and peace to the region--and to the world. A vital role US and Coalition soldiers are doing in Iraq is to find weapons, document Saddam's weapons programs, and destroy those weapons so they don't wind up in the hands of terrorists. Please pray for our troops.

CBS News Saddam Interview Airs In Iraq March 20, 2003 09:31:46
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/21/iraq/main541427.shtml


Exposed: Saddam's Prohibited Missiles and Support of al-Qaeda Terrorism
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/2/5/151609.shtml


Guardian Unlimited Special reports Troops find hidden Iraqi cruise missiles http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,11816,920653,00.html


RESOLUTION 687 (1991) Adopted by the Security Council at its 2981st meeting, on 3 April 1991
http://www.fas.org/news/un/iraq/sres/sres0687.htm

Saddam Hussein's Defiance of U.N. Resolutions : Fact Sheet
http://www.usembassy.lv/EN/Iraq/defiance


Shipping, shipbuilding, offshore news
http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMIII/MMIIIMar24c.html