Describing the mission in a podcast program broadcast on December 7, Holland said that the team went to a pit in a small town in Iraq after receiving “human intelligence” in 2003.
HIDDEN HOLE FOUND
The hole was covered with a layer of leaves and sand. It was also covered with styrofoam so that its location would not be obvious. Holland said there is a pipe in the hole to allow the oxygen flow.
They threw grenades, they heard cries
When Holland and his team started to open the clogged hole, he saw that it was covered with bricks for concealment. They threw a grenade inside and heard shouts in Arabic.
Holland described the rest of what happened as follows:
“Then hands came out of the hole; a big, hairy head came out, and we grabbed it and pulled it out. We said, ‘That’s it.'”
“SADDAM’S WEAPON IS ON BUSH”
When they pulled Saddam out of his hiding place, US President Bush’s greeting was conveyed to the former Iraqi leader.
Holland said that the Glock 18 gun that Saddam had with him when he was captured is now in Bush’s hands.
Stating that Saddam begged the team, Holland said, “He said in English that he is the President of Iraq and that he is ready to negotiate.”