[XBob]

Iraqi 'terror ships' at sea
By Patrick McGowan, Evening Standard
19 February 2003

Three huge cargo ships feared to be carrying Iraqi weapons of mass destruction are being tracked around the world by British and American intelligence. The vessels, which have been at sea for three months, are believed to be carrying weapons smuggled out through Syria or Jordan.

They are all refusing frequent requests to provide details of their cargo or destination and officials are worried that the vessels are maintaining radio silence in clear contravention of maritime law, which states all ships should be in constant communication. Despite grave suspicions of what is on board, Britain and the US are afraid to order interception by naval ships because of fears the crews would scuttle the vessels, each between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes.

If they are carrying chemical, biological or nuclear weapons this could cause catastrophic environmental damage. The vessels have called briefly at a handful of Arab countries, including Yemen, but they have been resupplied at sea with food, fuel and water by other ships.

[TLBSHOW]

WAR IN THE GULF: SAS TO SNATCH SADDAM'S SCIENTISTS

Apr 7 2003



SAS squads have been sent into key cities in Iraq to snatch scientists before Saddam Hussein can have them killed to ensure their silence.

Allied intelligence chiefs believe Saddam has scattered his weapons of mass destruction teams to various locations to try to avoid capture.

They fear the tyrant and his sons may order the scientists' deaths rather than risk them revealing the truth about the regime's chemical weapons stockpile.

A special forces source said: "The scientists are top priority, we have to get them quickly. They know where all the stuff is and we want it."

Units of Britain's SAS and SBS will work with US Special Forces, including the elite Delta Force, US Navy SEALS and the Australian SAS.

The SAS source said: "We believe we are close to the hiding places."

Another special forces officer said: "We also have to get the Baath party officials who run the death squads.

"They are a scourge on mankind, as bad as the Nazis."

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/page.cfm?objectid=12817335&method=full&siteid=89488