Saddam on the move

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just before the onset of war, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was intensifying his efforts to hide in Baghdad, US officials said.

The US military struck with cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs against a site near Baghdad, where Iraqi leaders were thought to be, US government officials said. There was no indication whether the attack, launched last night was successful.

Saddam last appeared on television Tuesday, wearing military fatigues for the first time in years. After that appearance, American officials said, he took steps to lower his profile in the city to an even greater degree than normal.

Saddam, whom officials describe as obsessed with his personal security, keeps a network of bunkers and other hiding places in and around the capital. He moves between them frequently, surrounded by security forces.

Malaysia condemns start of war

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Malaysia, current leader of the 116-nation Non-Aligned Movement, condemned the start of the US-led war against Iraq, which is a member state.

“We condemn the unsanctioned attack on Iraq,” a spokesman for Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told AFP.

Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin told AFP: “It’s clear the United Nations is no more. It doesn’t exist.

“The world is a free-for-all. You can attack any nation. The signal has been given by the US.”

“There is a new democracy. The US and the United Kingdom which are the ‘most democratic’ nations in the world have shown a new interpretation of democracy, where you can strike any country at will.

“Now every nation can follow in the US footsteps.”

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority Southeast Asian nation, has warned that war on Iraq will inflame Islamic extremists and lead to more terrorism against Western targets.

Russia voices extreme regret

MOSCOW (AFP) – Russia “regrets” the launch of military strikes against Iraq, the Interfax news agency reported last night, quoting a source in Russian government.

“As the military campaign was launched, we can only voice our extreme regret and hope that the casualty toll would be minimal,” the source said.

However, “until the very last moment Moscow did not lose hope that the Iraqi problem could be resolved within the framework of international law, and that the use of force could be avoided,” the source added.

Sharon informed beforehand

JERUSALEM (AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was informed by Washington of last night air strikes on Baghdad “an hour and a half” beforehand,” Israeli public radio said, quoting sources in the premier’s office.

Blair advised of Baghdad attack at midnight

LONDON (AFP) – British Prime Minister Tony Blair was informed shortly after midnight (0000 GMT) that attacks were to be launched in Iraq “on a limited number of command and control targets,” a Downing Street spokesman said last night.

“The prime minister was informed shortly after midnight that attacks on a limited number of command and control targets were being brought forward,” the spokesman said.

“As regards the involvement of British forces, he (Blair) will set out the position in due course,” he added.