Baghdad, Mar 24: With US-led forces closing in on Baghdad, President Saddam Hussein addressed his nation today, vowing that ``victory will be ours.`` ``Victory will be ours soon,`` Saddam said. ``Iraqis will strike the necks as God has commanded you. Strike them, and strike evil so that evil will be defeated,`` he added. Saddam appeared in full military uniform and seemed calmer than during his last national address Thursday following the first round of cruise missile attacks on his capital. He clearly appeared to be trying to rally his people as US and British forces are advancing toward Baghdad despite setbacks suffered yesterday in clashes which left about 10 US troops dead and a dozen missing. ``Those who are believers will be victorious. In these decisive days, the enemy tried not using missiles and fighter jets as they did before. This time they sent their infantry troops. This time they have come to invade and occupy your land,`` he said.
In words aimed at inspiring his troops, Saddam said Iraqi fighters were ``causing the enemy to suffer and to lose every day.``
``As time goes by, they will lose more and they will not be able to escape lightly from their predicament,`` he said, adding, ``We will make it as painful as we can.``
Speaking of the Americans and Britons, Saddam said, ``These forces entered our lands and where they penetrated they became entangled, desert behind them. These troops were surrounded by Iraqi residents and aiming their fire at them."
Taunting the allies, he asked, ``Have you found what the devil that besets your soul promised you in Iraq?``
To the people of Iraq`s cities of Basra, Baghdad, Mosul and others, he warned that the enemy will intensify their raids as they suffer casualties on the ground.
``Be patient. God`s victory is coming... Be tolerant,`` he added.
He mentioned several units and commanders, saluting them ``for their heroic feats in the battlefield.``
Bureau Report