Iraqi Defector Screaming ‘Saddam!’ Is Subdued by Startled Americans
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WITH U.S. FORCES NEAR THE SAUDI BORDER--An Iraqi defector startled soldiers at a U.S. Army camp today when he ran toward the battalion headquarters screaming, “Saddam! Saddam!”
The young Iraqi soldier had crossed outer perimeter lines and wasn’t spotted until a perimeter guard raised an alert. Moments later, the Iraqi started shouting.
American artillery troops at the camp immediately went to maximum alert, fearing a surprise attack under the cover of a fake surrender. Spec. Leonard C. Holifield, 31, of Diamond Bar, said he tackled the Iraqi.
“I looked to see if I could see anybody else,” Holifield said. “When I couldn’t see anybody, I rushed out and subdued him using a judo hold.”
Officers said the Iraqi, who said his name was Ali, had walked two days before he blundered into the American position.
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