An audio tape purportedly by deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein urged Iraqis today to fight occupying US forces, saying the war was not yet over.
"Our will will not surrender and won't be defeated. The battle is not over yet," the tape, addressing Iraqi armed forces, said.
The tape, aired by Dubai-based Al Arabiyatelevision, was dated July 20th, two days before US troops killed Saddam's two sons, Uday and Qusay, in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
"We tell our armed forces and our people that if America has achieved military superiority, it will not achieve supremacy in the battle of wills against the Iraqi people," the tape said.
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The voice on the tape and the language sounded identical to that of Saddam. He used many verses of the Koran - the Islamic holy book.
"Although the occupation is factually present in the form of the US army, occupation is not officially settled. The will of the people and that of the armed forces and the political leaderships are not subdued," he added.
The tape said US forces, facing increased attacks, would not be safe in Iraq despite their military might and weaponry. It urged Iraqis and armed forces to rise up in a new "liberation army".
"Let our awakening be a new lesson that can be added to the history of our nation and humanity," he added.