A TEHRAN-based Iraqi opposition group said yesterday that it was behind the assassination attempt against President Saddam Hussein's eldest son, Uday, in Baghdad.
"A group of our heroic strugglers... inflicted the verdict of God and the people unto the enemy of God and the people, Uday Saddam al-Tikriti, who has caused mischief and crime in the land, like his dictator father," the Islamic Dawa Party said.
In Baghdad, the street where gunmen tried to commit the murder was yesterday thronged with Iraqis celebrating Mr Uday Hussein's survival.
Scores of sheep were slaughtered and the area where the assassination attempt took place was splattered in sheep's blood, a traditional sign that a bad omen was dispelled.
Thousands of people gathered in the al-Mansour district of in Baghdad where Mr Uday's car was attacked by gunmen as he drove through unguarded on Thursday evening. A brass band played the national anthem, women swayed to the tune and people showered the crowd with chocolates and sweets.
Eyewitnesses said at least two gunmen attacked Mr Uday's car, injuring him along with several bystanders. Mr Uday (32) was reported to be in Baghdad's Ibn Sina hospital but without serious wounds.