Opposition: Saddam Hussein ordered execution of 26 persons in Abu Ghareed prison

Iraqi opposition sources in Damascus said that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein released a decree calling for the execution of 26 citizens because they carried out "terrorist acts" that targeted security forces and policemen in the provinces of Babel, al-Basra and al-Qadeseyah.

The sources said Hussein signed the decree on September 7, under the number 1609 to approve the "sentences released by the specialized court on June 23" against 26 persons who carried out "terrorist acts including killing of security and police men" and who were being held in Abu Ghareeb prison following recent clashes in the three provinces.

The sources added that the executions were carried out on September 10, and the bodies were taken to al-Kindi hospital in Baghdad and then to an unknown place to be buried.