|
Iraqi troops reported on the move
A unit of the elite Iraqi Republican Guard was on the move Thursday in northern Iraq, signaling the first major repositioning of Iraqi military forces during the current U.S. military buildup, according to U.S. officials. Uh, it's not the first, but please continue. U.S. intelligence indicated the unit will be positioned in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's ancestral homeland, but it also could be en route to Baghdad to defend the capital. This unit is believed to be possibly one of two Republican Guard infantry divisions in northern Iraq. If it is the Special Republican Guard, then I believe that many if not most of the members also are from Tikrit and are Sammy's clan members. Digging in to defend their hometown and Sammys solid base of support makes some sense. The United States has been tracking the troop movement for several days. Earlier this week, imagery indicated more than 100 heavy transporters had left their parking areas and were headed to pick up equipment for this unit. Tank transporters? Moving armor then. And I'm sure that we are watching every movement with great interest. Hope there is not too much cloud cover. If the division repositions to Baghdad, it could be another indication that Saddam may try to draw U.S. troops into a battle in the city, sources said. This also might indicate that Tikrit is where Saddam plans to go to ground while his son runs the war from a alternate location. I believe that Saddam has gone here in the past when he feels threatened. If the Special Republican Guard does indeed dig in around Tikrit instead of a more vital location like Baghdad, I'd give it some "special attention". Posted by: Steve 2003-02-27 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=10708 |