U.S. News & World Report April 14, 2003
Iraq's Internal Security Network
Iraq's Internal Security Network
National Security Council
Oversees activities of Iraq's security and intelligence agencies. Headed by Saddam Hussein but usually chaired by his son Qusay.
Special Security Organization
Responsible for security of Saddam and presidential facilities, monitors the loyalty of other security services, tracks potential opposition, conceals weapons-of-mass destruction programs. Members: 5,000 to 10,000
General Security Service
Looks for dissent among the general public; operates vast network of informers. Members: 8,000
Iraqi Intelligence Service
Monitors Baath Party, foreign embassies, and foreigners in Iraq. Suppresses Shiite, Kurdish, and other opposition. Members: 8,000
Military Intelligence
Ensures loyalty of officer corps and gathers military intelligence. Operates informant networks in Syria, Iran, Jordan, Turkey, and Egypt. Members: 4,000 to 6,000
Military Security Service
Monitors dissent by armed forces; investigates corruption and embezzlement within the military.
Special Protection Apparatus
Only unit that provides Saddam with armed bodyguards.
Special Republican Guard
Protects presidential sites; escorts Saddam on his travels; guards routes into Baghdad. Headed by Saddam's son Qusay. Members: 15,000
Fedayeen Saddam
Brutal paramilitary organization whose ranks are filled by young men from towns and villages in the north-central core of Iraq, the region considered most loyal to the regime. Members: 15,000 to 30,000
Sources: Middle East Review of International Affairs, GlobalSecurity.org, Council on Foreign Relations, staff reports
GRAPHIC: Picture, Saddam with Uday and Qusay (SALAH MALKAWI--GETTY IMAGES); Chart, Iraq's Internal Security Network (Middle East Review of International Affairs, GlobalSecurity.org, Council on Foreign Relations, staff reports.)
Copyright © 2003, U.S. News & World Report
