2003:Special Forces Discover Underground Base- WMD Training Facility, 51 Hidden Fighter Jets

April 2003: The Special Forces of the Australian Defence have found a remarkable, and highly dangerous discovery at an Iraqi base west of Baghdad. Inside the base, Special Forces found more than 51 Soviet produced fighter jets, a chemical-proof bunker, an anti-aircraft missile system and a large storage facility of anti-aircraft guns and munitions. The fighter jets were well cared for, and fully operational. The chemical-proof bunker is an underground facility that includes a training center for handling WMD.

The Coalition had bombed the base early in the invasion of Iraq but it was the Australian troops who secured the base. 200 brave Australian soldiers took control of the base after a battle with armed Iraqi soldiers. The Iraqi soldiers were not able to commandeer the jets, and after a lengthy exchange of messages they finally gave themselves up...

Article by Tom Allard, Herald Correspondent in Doha, April 19 2003
Full Article Online at Sydney Morning Herald:
Special forces find underground weapons base - War on Iraq - smh.com.au

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/04/18/1050172758068.html


Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our soldiers and Coalition allies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Excellent work Special Forces! We are also praying for the people of Iraq as they rebuild their country.
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The discovery of the underground base outside of Baghdad by Australian Special Forces was vital in bringing stability to the area, and gaining ground in the ongoing battle against insurgent terrorists operating within Iraq. As Saddam Hussein's trial continues in Baghdad, let us not forget the soldiers who are so valiantly fighting to bring peace and democracy to Iraq. If not for the efforts and sacrifices of US and Coalition soldiers, and the brave Iraqi people taking up the fight alongside them, this trial would not be. Saddam will be held accountable. It is the Iraqi people who will take back their power to place judgment on him.


Two Quotes Highlighting What the War in Iraq is About:

"Let be despised those who are infected with the disease of loving Zionism, America, their followers and supporters at the expense of their people and nation....
The most important characteristics of Man's purity and the level of his seriousness in what he says, declares or promises is to be true. If he is true, he will become honest to what he is entrusted with. The principles and the promise they include, as goals of the struggle of the people and Nation, the power of the state and all its aspects, the mobilization of the people for positions of struggle and jihad against the foreign ambitions during a particular stage before the assuming power, and holding up to its all goals, is a trust which should be bore and protected. The fulfillment of this trust is a great truthfulness and grand struggle and jihad..."
--Saddam Hussein January 16, 1999.


"The intelligence picture they paint is one accumulated over the past four years. It is extensive, detailed and authoritative. It concludes that Iraq has chemical and biological weapons, that Saddam has continued to produce them, that he has existing and active military plans for the use of chemical and biological weapons, which could be activated within 45 minutes, including against his own Shia population; and that he is actively trying to acquire nuclear weapons capability.
On chemical weapons, the dossier shows that Iraq continues to produce chemical agent for chemical weapons; has rebuilt previously destroyed production plants across Iraq; has bought dual-use chemical facilities; has retained the key personnel formerly engaged in the chemical weapons programme; and has a serious ongoing research programme into weapons production, all of it well funded."
Prime Minister Blair's Iraq statement to Parliament, 9/24/2002.

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For More Information:

This 1999 address by Saddam basically is an invitation for a coalition, led by Saddam, to lead jihad and the "mother of all battles" against America, Britain, Israel and our allies, including NATO.
Address of Saddam Hussein January 16, 1999
http://www.meij.or.jp/text/Gulf%20War/19990116.htm


Prime Minister's Speeches - 2002 - Iraq Statement to Parliament
http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page1727.asp

Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the DCI on Iraq’s WMD
http://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraq_wmd_2004/chap5.html

An interesting document--Subject reads "Truck Driver from Iraq", Document includes a detailed listed of chemical facilities and bases in Iraq, including areas around Baghdad.
SUBJECT: IRAQI CHEMICAL WARFARE PROGRAM

http://www.fas.org/irp/gulf/cia/960506/63791_01.htm
Special forces find underground weapons base - War on Iraq - smh.com.au
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/04/18/1050172758068.html