Power cut off as bombs strike capital

Baghdad has no electricity as power was cut off for the first time in the capital since the bombardments began two weeks ago.

It threatened to disrupt water supplies and the city's sewage system, which could mean widespread disease at a time when temperatures are rising.

Power went out across the city at about 8pm last night as shells and artillery fire exploded over Saddam International Airport, 10 miles south west of the city centre.

Huge explosions shook the southern parts of the city in the evening, persisting for nearly 15 minutes before the power went out. Blasts were heard about an hour later in the city centre.

It was unclear why the power went out. General Richard Myers, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US military did not target the city's power grid.

Most of Baghdad's power comes from the al-Doura power station south of the capital.

Amid the explosions, Iraq television aired footage of a relaxed and smiling Saddam Hussein meeting more than a dozen senior government and Baath Party officials, including Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan.

The TV announcer quoted Saddam as saying: "Victory is sure, and is in our hands, after we depend on God. We see it (victory) in our consciences and hearts."

Saddam, dressed in military clothes, urged Iraqis to "fight and be steadfast and be up to the level of the challenge and danger until we defeat the enemy and achieve victory," the announcer said.

It was not possible to verify when the footage was taken.

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