US warplanes target Saddam’s birthplace as potential stronghold

ALLIED warplanes and special forces were yesterday targeting Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s birthplace and stronghold.

Airstrikes against the Republican Guard barracks and command and control centre were made to soften up defences in and around the city before ground troops move in. The US 4th Infantry Division is expected to advance on the city from Kuwait.

Maj Gen Victor Renuart, speaking at Central Command in Qatar, said: “It is a potential stronghold for the regime and we will continue to increase our emphasis on Tikrit.”