The leader of the elite Iraqi Internal Threat Force, who gave his name as Mohammed Abbas, said his troops were ready for anything.
In earshot of U.S. military officers who are advising him, Abbas complained about the weapons Iraqi soldiers have available, primarily AK-47 assault rifles.
Iraqi troops near Fallujah listen to the interim defense minister, who said that all who enter battle would be promoted.
(Jackie Spinner -- The Washington Post)
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"The developed armies develop new weapons," he said. "In Iraq, we didn't have a chance. Our communications gear is not like the Americans use. The American soldiers have lighter and more developed equipment. Our weapons are old."
Even so, Abbas, who was an Iraqi army officer under deposed president Saddam Hussein, said he was confident his troops would be victorious.
"We know our enemy, even if they have developed weapons," he said. "As Iraqi people and army, we'll fight them with traditional weapons. We have our strategy and mentality. What made the Iraqi soldier fight the American soldiers in 1990 and last year, despite their high technology, is the same we will use in this battle."
As he walked the dusty grounds of the outpost, Abbas, who later acknowledged that the name he gave was an alias, beckoned a soldier to run faster when he called for him. Waving his hands in the air, Abbas declared that all his men were heroes and that "this," he said, nodding to his surroundings, "is my kingdom."
His soldiers squatted on the ground in front of him, waiting for direction, as he paced. "This one is 19," he said, pointing to a baby-faced recruit holding his rifle firmly. "And this one is 25."
Haider, 20, from Basra, who had not seen or talked to his family in a week, said he joined the Iraqi army initially to make a living.
"But later, when I saw the security situation deteriorating the country and all these terrorists coming to Iraq from outside, I changed my mind," he said. "I believe I have a big responsibility in my country. People depend on us. We will fight for them."
Muhammed, 24, from Mosul, echoed a sentiment expressed by other Iraqi soldiers. Though he was fully prepared to battle the foreign rebels, he would not fight the residents of the city, Muhammed said.
"No Iraqis will be a target for us," he said. "I cannot fight an Iraqi. He is my brother."
