An Iraqi state television announcer has read out a statement it said was from President Saddam Hussein telling Iraqis who could not join their own fighting units to link up with other units.
The statement, read out as the thunder of artillery andheavy machinegun fire echoed from outlying areas of Baghdad,followed reports by the US military that some Iraqi militaryunits have been wiped out or disintegrated.
"From President Saddam Hussein, in the name of God themerciful, to all the members of the armed forces, peace be uponyou," the announcer said, reading from the brief statement.
"If it is not possible for any fighter to join his unit forwhatever reason, let him join a unit of the same kind that he isable to join. He is to be accounted for by this unit untilfurther notice."
US forces kept up a relentless bombardment of Baghdadthroughout the day as tanks and other fighting vehicles circledaround the fringes of the sprawling city of five million people.
The US claims about 2,000 Iraqi fighters have been killed inBaghdad since the US assault on the city began on March 20.
