American forces under cover of darkness near his home town Tikrit, United States Administrator Paul Bremer said Sunday December 14.
"Ladies and Gentleman, we got him," he announced on laud applause and shouts of joy from U.S. troops and Iraqi reporters at a noisy press briefing in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
American military video showed a weary and old looking Saddam Hussein after coming out of his hiding place what was described as a "spider hole 6 to 8 feet deep underground (about 2 to 3 metres), just enough for one man to lay down."
"Kill him, kill him" and "God is great", shouted Iraqi newsmen as U.S. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez showed the first video footage with a weary, old looking and unshaved Saddam Hussein receiving medical attention from an American doctor.
HUSSEIN TALKING
Sanchez described Hussein as "in a good medical condition" as well as "cooperative" and "talking" following the raid on his hiding place late Saturday involving 600 special forces, and added that "no shots were fired" while that there no injuries.
He said the raid to capture Hussein was conducted after receiving information about the whereabouts of the former leader, about 15 kilometers from Tikrit.
Two other aids of the former strongman were detained in the Tikrit area, as well as $750,000 in $100 dollar notes and several weapons, Sanchez explained.
Sanchez refused to say if anyone would receive the 25 million dollar award set aside by Washington for anyone with information that would lead to the capture of Saddam Hussein.
"HISTORIC DAY"
"This is a great in Iraq’s history," said a visible emotional Paul Bremer, who began the news briefing with an address to the Iraqi people.
"For decades, hundreds of thousands of you suffered at the hands of this cruel man. For decades, Saddam Hussein divided you citizens against each other. For decades, he threatened an attack on your neighbors. Those days are over forever," he said. "The tyrant is a prisoner."
He added that with "the economy is moving forward" and the "prospect of a sovereign government in a few months," the arrest of Saddam Hussein was a new opportunity for members of the former regime" to end their bitter opposition." a reference to ongoing violence.
"Let them now come forward in a spirit of reconciliation and hope, lay down their arms, and join you, their fellow citizens, in the task of building the new Iraq. Now is the time for all Iraqis – Arabs and Kurds, Sunnis, Shia, Christian and Turkmen – to build a prosperous, democratic Iraq, at peace with itself and with its neighbors," Bremer said.
IRAQI EVANGELICALS
The news was also expected to be welcomed by Iraqi Evangelical Christians that BosNewsLife talked to in recent months. Many were forced to hold underground church services and were persecuted during regime of Saddam Hussein.
"People are hungry for Christ," said Iraqi pastor Ghassan Thomas 33, who in the past used his kindergarten as a vehicle to share the Gospel. Speaking with BosNewsLife earlier this year in Baghdad he recalled how "the regime of Saddam Hussein did not allow the establishment" of new denominations.
"Therefore I was involved in an indirect ministry through the kindergarten, as I did not get permission to officially operate and evangelize. However people soon came to me and said: "this is like a church."
"HUSSEIN WELCOME"
With American soldiers in town, he was finally able to realize his dream and open his Evangelical Alliance Church where Hallelujah’s and Amen’s reverberate throughout the small, but lively congregation. Despite the oppression and torture endured by many Iraqi Christians and other civilians the church "loves Saddam Hussein", added 32-year old Maral Manuel.
"The Bible says we should respect and pray for our president. I would love to see Saddam Hussein in our church. I would tell him that God loves him and that Christ can forgive his sins." There has been an increase in anti-Christian violence since the collapse of the regime, human rights organizations say.
Bremer and other officials hope the capture of the former leader will reduce tension and make it more safe for the military as well as aid workers, including Christians.
NEED OF FOOD
"Unfortunately (especially) many Christians are in need of food as they have no job. Others have physical needs," explained Pastor Thomas, married with two children. "It is my prayer that Jesus Christ will meet both the spiritual and physical needs of Iraqi Christians."
Several Christian organizations, including Youth with a Mission and the Southern Baptist International Mission Board IMB have urged Christians to support their efforts in the post Saddam Hussein era.
IMB said last week it urgently needed 150 workers, but that a lack of funds and man power was threatening to undermine operations.
Christian organizations and Iraqi church leaders say the country is open for revival, however analysts warned Sunday, December 14 the country may see more as remnants of the old regime will now fight for their lives.
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Christians interested in mission work in Iraq and around the globe are advised to contact the International Mission Board at:
International Mission Board
P.O. Box 6767
Richmond VA
23230-0767
Phone: (804) 219-1000
FAX: (804) 254-8980
Email: globalnews@imb.org
URL: http://www.imb.org
