IRAQI
OPPOSITION FORCES ENGAGE IN
COMBAT WITH REPUBLICAN GUARDS
Northern Iraq, 21 March 2003
United Iraqi opposition forces have engaged in armed combat with units of
Saddam's Republican Guardson the outskirts of Kirkuk in Northern
Iraq.
Several clashes took place last night on the main roads leading
into Taqtaq and Chamchamal. No reports on casualties are available at this
time. Opposition forces came under fire from the Republican Guard.
Only conventional weapons were used in the clashes.
The united forces of
the Iraqi opposition have taken up fortified positions and are preparing for an
offensive against Saddam's troops. The Iraqi opposition forces are
continuing close co-ordination with Coalition forces engaged in the liberation
of Iraq.
The leadership of the Iraqi opposition continues to appeal to
Iraqi armed forces to join the Iraqi opposition in the liberation of Iraq. In a
radio broadcast yesterday, Dr Ahmed Chalabi said:
"We call on all
officers, NCOs and soldiers not to obey the orders of the criminal, Saddam
Hussein but rather to serve the true interests of the Iraqi people by working
for the liberation of our great nation. Come and join us and you will be
safe."
ENDS
Note
to editors: Dr Ahmed Chalabi is a member of both the leadership of the
Iraqi National Congress and a member of the recently appointed six
person steering group of the Iraqi opposition.
For further information
please call 202 497 1797.
