Execution Of Bodyguards Reported

Five bodyguards assigned to protect Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s eldest son were executed after the attempt on his life in December, an opposition group said Saturday.

The Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq said the bodyguards were executed Feb. 15 in the presidential palace compound in Baghdad. It said the executions were carried out by a special security unit and were supervised by Odai’s younger brother, Qusai.

The Iranian-based resistance group, whose members are mainly Shiite Muslims, said it received its information from sources close to the military.

Odai, 33, was shot at least eight times Dec. 12 while he was in his car. Odai, believed to be Saddam’s heir apparent, remains hospitalized.