Not turning purple ....yet...
Posted on 07/20/2004 11:14:11 PM PDT by propertius
Edited on 07/21/2004 11:16:05 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Update from Wash Times: A U.S. military spokesman in Tikrit told United Press International that the report was untrue. "Nothing's been found. The report is not factual," said Master Sgt. Robert Cowens, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division... A spokesman with Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office told UPI that the report concerning the alleged missiles and warheads emerged "while gathering information for Saddam Hussein's tribunal" during the interrogation of a captured former official of Saddam's regime.
Al Sabah, the Iraqi newspaper funded by the Coalition Provisional Authority, reports on its front page this morning that a former senior Ba'ath party activist has led coalition troops to three nuclear warheads hidden in a bunker.
Will post translation when we have it.
To: All
Here is story in full:
Headline: Khidhur (or Khidhir) al-Douri, back from the dead, reveals three nuclear missiles
Sources in the Interior ministry and the National Security Advisor's Office refused to comment on news reports that three missiles with nuclear warheads had been seized during the arrest of Khidhur al-Douri, the former Ba'ath party member.
Iraqi political sources, who requested anonimity, inisisted that Iraqi security authorities arrested al-Douri and seized the missiles.
The same sources told al-Sabah that al-Douri, who held meany Ba'ath party positions during the former regime, was falsely pronounced dead on its demise. Forged death certificates had been circulated.
He was arrested in an area between Oja and al-Dour, in Salahidine province.
The same sources said three missiles were found with nuclear heads attached in a tunnel six metres underground.
A cement layer six metres thick had been built over the tunnel to hide it from scientific ray detection that could detect the radiation emitted by the nuclear heads.
The tunnel leading to the three missiles is connected to a small hole that opens out on the main road between Ouja and Dour.
The sources said al-Douri was arrested after sending an email, specifying the location and a meeting place in Tikrit.
Authorities analysed the message. Iraqi forces then moved into the area, laying a trap that snared al-Douri and his son.
Al-Douri then revealed the location of the missiles. Various light weapons and money was also seized during the operation.
ENDS
171 posted on 07/21/2004 12:00:20 AM PDT by propertius
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(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
"Whoa, the guy had himself declared dead??"
Well, he was dead before he voted to be alive.
| IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTRY SAYS NUCLEAR MISSILE REPORT "STUPID" |
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| Posted by NY Catholic On 07/21/2004 8:22:55 AM CDT with 4 comments july 21 | reuters IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTRY SAYS NUCLEAR MISSILE REPORT "STUPID" US military says has no infomation on report nuclear missles found in Iraq. Reuters |
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My fear is that Berger story is simply to divert attention from this WMD information.
Looks like UPI picked it up first and the Wash Times got it from them, which makes it even more interesting, IMO.
hmmm...interested in seeing how this one pans out. PING!
Wonder who'll come up with the next article saying they're NOT there??
UPI and Washington Times both owned by the same outfit, the Moonies, unfortunately.
Not quite ready for prime time seems to be their motto.
Didn't know that. Too bad.
Only three? No stockpile. (sarcasm)
IF IF IF IF this is real......it is big
Reuters has a story out denying it...but no official denial.
I expect to be let down as usual and find out this is a fraud, but I am hoping otherwise.
I just don't think Iraq probably has real good journalism......will wait and see with hope.
A senior U.S. military official told reporters on Wednesday he had no information on the report in the Iraqi newspaper al-Sabah. He said officials were checking the report.
Asked by Reuters about the report, a spokesman at the Interior Ministry said: "It's stupid."
The report, picked up the United Press International news agency, sent the U.S. dollar higher against other major currencies on the foreign exchanges.
Al-Sabah opened last year with backing from the former U.S.-led administration in Iraq.
The United States and Britain launched last year's invasion of Iraq over accusations that Saddam had stockpiled weapons of mass destruction. But no stockpiles of banned weapons have been found.
You sure they are NEW shells not previously reported?
They are the center-right paper in Washington, so it is likely.
Note in UPI/Washington Times article the report that Iraqi PM had just called UN nuc inspectors to come back into Iraq.
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