Text of the statement issued by President Saddam Hussein after the U.S. airstrikes:
President Saddam addresses Iraqi people during a new U.S. and British aggression on Iraq.
The great people of Iraq, sons of the brave armed forces, in this day and this night of December 16-17 — as they did eight years ago on a similar night — the wicked people bombarded several targets on the soil of your great Iraq, thinking they will twist your great will and your determination, your virtue and dignity, your will of faith, righteousness and jihad (holy war).
We know, you beloved men and women, that the thing that hurt you most was not their aggression or their aggressive nature, but because they didn't come to meet you face to face, depending on a long technological arm, which is not a measure of bravery.
Courage is your steadfastness, your valor and your jihad. So resist and fight them as we trusted you and in the same way you are known for.
Fight the enemies of God, enemies of the nation and enemies of humanity. God will be on your side and disgrace will be theirs, now and on the day of the judgment.
