Al-Azzawi's Revelations on Saddam Hussein's Arrest and Execution
In a recent testimony on the program "Witness to the Era," former Iraqi intelligence chief Fadhil al-Azzawi shared significant insights regarding the circumstances surrounding Saddam Hussein's arrest and the events leading to his execution. Al-Azzawi, who was arrested by American forces on May 2, 2003, detailed his experiences in custody, including the harsh conditions faced by detainees at Cropper Prison, located at Baghdad International Airport.
Al-Azzawi recounted that he was held alongside prominent members of the Iraqi Baath Party, including Fadhel Mahmoud Gharib and Samir Abdul Aziz Al-Najm. He described the initial prison conditions as tragic, with multiple detainees crammed into tents before being moved to cells. Despite enduring minor torture, Al-Azzawi noted that some detainees were killed during interrogations, highlighting the brutal nature of their captivity.
Insights into Saddam's Final Days
During his testimony, Al-Azzawi revealed that he and his fellow prisoners were unaware of Saddam's capture until much later. He speculated that Saddam may have been drugged at the time of his arrest on December 13, 2003, suggesting that it was inconsistent with Saddam's known bravery to be captured in such a manner. Al-Azzawi also disclosed that before his execution, Saddam communicated to his brothers that two individuals, Qais al-Namiq and Hikmat Omar, were responsible for informing the Americans about his whereabouts.
Khalil al-Dulaimi, Saddam's lawyer, corroborated Al-Azzawi's claims regarding al-Namiq's role as an informant. Additionally, John Nixon, an American intelligence officer, indicated that Saddam's head of bodyguards, Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Muslat, was also involved in betraying the former president, allegedly receiving $25 million for his information.
Al-Azzawi's Testimony and Its Implications
Al-Azzawi's testimony not only sheds light on the internal dynamics of Saddam's regime but also raises questions about the reliability of the sources that led to his downfall. He maintained that he testified in favor of Saddam during the Dujail case, which ultimately resulted in the former president's execution. Furthermore, Al-Azzawi mentioned being interrogated by both American and British authorities, although he could not confirm the involvement of Israeli investigators.
This testimony provides a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Saddam Hussein's arrest and the subsequent events leading to his execution, revealing the intricate web of betrayal and the harsh realities faced by those in power during a tumultuous period in Iraq's history.
