SOS for Saddam surgeon

The Sun ^ | March 24, 2003 | DAVID WOODING

[MadIvan]

SADDAM Hussein’s henchmen last night pleaded with Russia to find them a top surgeon to save the tyrant’s life.

They sent an SOS to Moscow as their leader lay badly wounded at a secret hideaway in Baghdad.

Saddam is believed to have suffered abdominal injuries when cruise missiles scored a direct hit on his bunker on Day One of the war last Thursday.

British intelligence chiefs say that he was hauled from the rubble and whisked away in an ambulance hours after the sudden strike that launched Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They are convinced he underwent a major operation and a blood transfusion. And at one stage thought he may be dead.

But last night experts at GCHQ listening station in Cheltenham intercepted a message which suggests he is still alive — but in need of treatment the Iraqis cannot provide.

A senior government source told The Sun: “They requested urgent medical assistance for a senior government official who was injured.

“Saddam’s name was not mentioned during the conversation — but there is little doubt it was him they were talking about.

“They said he was not critically injured but demanded urgent treatment because he had lost blood and could get worse. This regime wouldn’t go to that trouble for anybody else — including members of his family.”

Thursday’s missile attack on Baghdad was launched unexpectedly after reliable information was received about 65-year-old Saddam’s whereabouts.

He was chairing a meeting in a bunker attended by his bloodthirsty sons Uday and Qusay, who are also thought to have been killed or seriously injured in the attack.

A video of the President shown on Iraqi TV after the rain of missiles is thought to have been pre-recorded.

There has been complete silence from Saddam and his sons ever since.

In the call picked up by GCHQ, the victim is said to have suffered third-degree burns, crushed abdomen and trauma — hallmarks of a bomb attack.

The source said: “There was some discussion of having the injured man med-evacced out of Baghdad to be treated elsewhere.

“But no mention was made of where that would be. The official who took the call said the request would be passed on to Moscow.”

Yesterday, as a fresh pall of smoke hung over Baghdad following explosions on the outskirts of the city, the commander of British forces in the Gulf said Saddam’s fate would not distract him from the job in hand.

Air Marshal Brian Burridge said the tyrant’s personal significance was “largely becoming immaterial”.

He predicted that the Iraqi regime as a whole was on the verge of crumbling.

[MadIvan]

I would advise the Russians do not respond to this request. Or else.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Hmmmm. Interesting story MI.

[Semper Paratus]

I would advise the Russians do not respond to this request. Or else.

Knowing Russian medicine, let him/her come on down.

[Born to Conserve]

I'll donate a cell phone for the surgeon to use while he works on saddam.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Interesting!

And I agree, the Russians better sit on the sidelines this time. It would be a shame to see one of their cargo jets raining debris all over northern Iraq.

[ican'tbelieveit]

Considering we know the russians sold gps material to the iraqi's, technicians known to be there as of 3/21, they probably will assist.

[rhombus]

Have they tried a nice antrhax injection?

[Lx]

The USA has some of the best medical minds in the world. We'd be glad to take care of him and nurse him back to health. Then we execute him.

Actually, it's probably better to have him die so we don't have any terrorist hostage situations.

[Lx]

The USA has some of the best medical minds in the world. We'd be glad to take care of him and nurse him back to health. Then we execute him.

Actually, it's probably better to have him die so we don't have any terrorist hostage situations.

[Illbay]

I ain't believin' it 'til DEBKA tells me it's so.

[Maeve]

Russians appear to be as arrogant and stupid as their Soviet forebears. Were our economic ventures pulled out of Russia they would find themselves in the middle of a maelstrom.

[Grampa Dave]

Actually, Putrid and ChIraq should escort the Russian mds and medical team to Baghdad. Once there we can introduce them to Mr. Tomahawk, Mr Bunker Buster and Mr Moab. It would be nice to send Sodamned to hell with his best two buds in the world.

[ffusco]

Hope Saddam enjoys that Colostomy Bag courtesy of Coalition Overnight Delivery!

[madrastex]

How reliable is the Sun, in your opinion?

[Sofa King]

Um, isn't the Sun less than famous for it's accuracy? Sure, they were right on calling Chirac a harlot, but i've seen some stuff from them in the past that makes me question their accuracy.

[Stopislamnow]

Thanks Ivan!

Good news that won't see daylight in the US probably for days.

[rhombus]

Paging Dr. Curly, Paging Dr. Larry, Paging Dr. Moe -- Paging Dr. Frankenstein!

[montrose]

If Saddam & sons bought the farm it wouldn't bode very well for the theory that Iraqis secretly hate Saddam, would it? I'd hope if/when Saddam and sons get decapitated that the soldiers react like those after the Wicked Witch melted.