Hundreds of security forces and armed members of President Saddam Hussein’s Baath party deployed throughout Baghdad today, taking up positions in the city and on its southern approaches as the Bush ultimatum for the Iraqi leader to leave or face war drew closer.

With Saddam Hussein defying the American demand to quit his homeland, thousands of US and British troops, armoured vehicles and trucks advanced toward the Iraqi border today, positioning themselves to invade on short notice.

Armed members of President Saddam Hussein’s Baath party fanned out across Baghdad in a show of force today while other residents hunkered down before a US ultimatum expires for the Iraqi leader to leave Iraq or face war.

The Baghdad streets were eerily quiet today as the US deadline approached for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq or face a massive military onslaught.