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The Iraqi troops and militia destroyed 17 coalition tanks, 13 armored personnel carriers, and shot down one helicopter in Najaf during the past 24 hours, the Iraqi military said in a statement broadcast by Iraqi TV on Friday.
The statement came amid US claims that its forces had seized control of the Saddam International Airport, which is 20 km southwest of Baghdad.
On Friday evening, Iraqi TV aired pictures of President Saddam Hussein walking on the streets of Baghdad and being surrounded by cheering crowds.
Hundreds of Baghdadis praised and kissed Saddam, shouting "With blood and soul, we save you, Saddam."
Iraqi TV said that the videotape was recorded earlier Friday when Saddam visited some residential sites hit by US-led bombardment.
A few hours earlier, Saddam, dressed in military uniform, also appeared on the Iraqi state TV and delivered an address to the nation, calling on the Iraqi people to hit hard and resist the US-led coalition forces.
"Most of the time, the invasion army could be resisted and destroyed," he said.
On the same day, Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf warned that Iraq might take "unconventional" action on Friday night against US-led coalition troops approaching Baghdad.
"Tonight we will carry something non-conventional against them, not necessarily military," Sahaf told a daily news conference.
"We will do something that will be a great example for these mercenaries," he said.
It is difficult for the US forces that are surrounded in Saddam International Airport to leave Baghdad alive, Sahaf said, adding that the airport will become a "graveyard" for "American villains."
In another development, the British Prime Minister's office announced on Friday that US President George W. Bush will arrive in Northern Ireland next Monday to discuss with British leader Tony Blair the ongoing Iraqi war, which has entered a crucial stage.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and the Northern Ireland peace process, the office said in a statement.
The staunchest supporter of Washington in the Iraqi war, Britain differs with the United States on the reconstruction of postwar Iraq, insisting on a major UN involvement on the issue.
(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2003)
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