UK forces 'destroy Saddam statues'

UK forces 'destroy Saddam statues'

Iraq has many statues of Saddam Hussein

British forces say they have staged a raid into the southern city of Basra to destroy a large statue of Saddam Hussein.

The headquarters of paramilitaries loyal to Saddam Hussein and a communications mast were also said to be targets in the mission, the deepest coalition incursion into the city so far.

The apparent aim of this mission was to strike a psychological blow at supporters of Saddam Hussein in the city.

As many as six Iraqi tanks and more heavy artillery were hit, but there were no known casualties on either side, commanders said.

The tank squadrons and armed infantry of the 7th Armoured Brigade met with what was described as live resistance by Iraqi forces inside the city.

One report described tanks from the Scots Dragoon Guards heading into a hail of rocket-propelled grenades, leaving behind two-inch (5cm) dents.

Three soldiers were said to have been injured in a last-minute mortar attack as they left Basra.

'It crumpled'

The tank commander who destroyed the 20-foot (six-metre) statue said it was hit in the first round of fire.

"It was a black, cast-iron statue of Saddam Hussein in a great coat with his right arm raised in the air.

"It just sort of crumpled, there was a big flash and sparks everywhere and it disappeared, it was gone. I wish it was the real thing."

British Army spokesman Colonel Chris Vernon, who said members of the Black Watch - armoured personnel carriers - had also entered Basra, said in all two statues were destroyed.

"The purpose of that is psychological," he told a news conference in Kuwait.

He said the ability of British troops to enter the city at will and destroy "representative tokens" of Saddam Hussein's regime would have sent "quite a shock" to Baathist and irregular organisations.

"Targeting and eradication of the Baath party is now the critical effect we need to achieve and the British military's main effort."