U.S.: Iraq will blame atrocities on U.S.

WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Central Command charged Thursday that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has ordered an unspecified number of uniforms that are "identical down to the last detail" to U.S. and British military uniforms, according to command spokesman Maj. Brad Lowell.

Iraq intends to issue the uniforms to a paramilitary force known as Fedayeen Saddam troops, who will wear them while committing "atrocities" against Iraqi people so the acts can later be blamed on Western soldiers, Central Command said.

Central Command says the group is about 1,500-fighters strong and reports directly to the presidential palace. It is not in the military chain of command. It was founded in 1994 by Saddam Hussein's son Uday, according to Central Command.

The force, initially made up of teenagers, conducts patrols and carries out anti-smuggling duties. The group also helps put down unrest during emergencies.