Scripps Howard News Service March 12, 2003
Saddam uses 3 circles of defense around Baghdad
By Lisa Hoffman
Three rings of defense circle Baghdad, devised by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to provide him with the best protection against both outside invaders and coup-plotters from within.
According to the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Jane's Intelligence Review, GlobalSecurity.org and the Federation of American Scientists, this is a breakdown of Saddam's concentric circles of security:
Republican Guard:
Commander: Lt. Gen. Kamal Mustafa Abdallah al-Sultan
A force of as many as 80,000, it forms the outer ring of Saddam's praetorian guard. Its chain of command runs down from Saddam and his son Quesay Hussein. It is composed of a northern and southern corps, and six divisions - two armored, three mechanized and one infantry. It also has two special-forces brigades, and aviation, artillery and air-defense commands.
Special Republican Guard:
Commander: Brig. Gen. Barzan Abd al-Ghaffur
Under the direct control of Quesay, the Special Guard is made up of 15,000 to 25,000 soldiers, and is considered Saddam's elite force. Positioned closer to Baghdad than the regular Guard, this outfit is dedicated to the personal security of Saddam and his family. It is composed of four infantry brigades and 14 battalions, more than 100 tanks, and batteries dedicated to artillery, air defense and aviation.
Saddam's Fedayeen:
Commander: Quesay Hussein.
Operational commander: Lt. Gen. Mezahem Saab al Hassan al-Tikriti.
Black-clad militia of between 18,000 and 35,000, infamous for its brutality. Trained to operate antiaircraft guns, and conduct urban and guerrilla combat.
(E-mail hoffmanl(at)shns.com)
Copyright © 2003, Scripps Howard, Inc.
