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American Morning

AMERICAN MORNING Looks at War; Lynch Press Conference

Aired April 12, 2003 - 08:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.
I'm Heidi Collins.

We want to take a quick live picture now at some of the events of the day. Certainly this one would be the one to talk about. You are looking at the plane at Ramstein Air Force Base, a C-17 there, with Jessica Lynch on board and several other injured soldiers whop will be taken back to America today and reunited with their families. We are going to talk more about that as the morning goes on.

As we just said, U.S. Army PFC Jessica Lynch, rescued in a dramatic raid by U.S. troops in Nasiriya, she's due to arrive in the Washington area seven hours from now. PFC Lynch was captured by Iraqi forces in a March 23rd ambush on her maintenance convoy. Since her rescue, she's been cared for at a U.S. hospital in Germany.

Well, it's up for grabs. More looting in Baghdad, everything from light fixtures to tennis rackets. But U.S. military officials are trying to put together an Iraqi police force to stop all the looting and violence.

U.S. officials say they have intercepted conversations from Iraqi officials suggesting Saddam Hussein has been killed. Those U.S. officials say the Iraqis could be right, could be mistaken, or could be trying to make the U.S. believe Saddam Hussein is dead when he is not.

Iraqi leaders in Kut have agreed to hand over control of that southern city to U.S. military officials today. But CNN's Art Harris says U.S. intelligence indicates paramilitaries from other countries like Syria and Jordan may have gathered in Kut. The fear is that they would help Iraqis launch suicide attacks against U.S. troops.

(NEWS UPDATE)

Here now are the developments we're following this hour in the war in Iraq. Right now, rescued POW Jessica Lynch is on her way back to the U.S. She'll be taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington for treatment. Also ahead, how to rebuild a war ravaged nation. We'll talk about it with an international security expert. And standing on the sidelines during the war, now the leaders of what some call the coalition of the unwilling -- France, Germany and Russia -- step up to the plate and push for the U.N. to play a key role in Iraq's future.

Good morning, everybody, from CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.

It's 8:00 a.m. on the East Coast and 4:00 p.m. in Baghdad.

I'm Heidi Collins.

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Leon Harris here.

Glad to have you folks with us.

Hello and welcome to AMERICAN MORNING SATURDAY.

Lots going on this morning already. And here now are some of the latest images of war that we've got in here for you to share. A mob descended on Baghdad's main bank, breaking in to pillage and plunder. We saw this scene earlier this week in northern Iraq. This is happening now in Baghdad. Looters also forced all but one of Baghdad's hospitals to close. The only one left open now is surrounded by coalition tanks and that's to stop the looters. We heard reports yesterday of people taking operating tables down the streets of Baghdad.

Now, the northern city of Kirkuk was liberated on Thursday and as the Iraqi front line moved from there to Tikrit, the looting began, with some villagers there even being attacked and their property stolen directly from them and not from government offices. Some people living in Baghdad are taking the law into their own hands, capturing and beating up those that they catch looting. There's no police there, so the police -- the people are policing themselves.

Here now is a look at our early briefing and some of the stories you can expect later today right here on the network. Saddam Hussein's fall from power will be the focus of President Bush's weekly radio address this morning. That airs at 10:06 Eastern. Rescued prisoner of war Private First Class Jessica Lynch, as we just said, is about to get on her way back to the U.S. from Germany today and she's going to receive treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

And a memorial service will take place this evening in Tuba City, Arizona for Army Private First Class Laurie Piestewa. She was a member of the 507th Maintenance Unit that was ambushed in southern Iraq back on March 23rd.

COLLINS: As we just mentioned a couple of times now, Army Private Jessica Lynch is about to fly home now. That plane is due to leave momentarily from Ramstein Air Base in Germany. This is another live picture this morning. As you may recall, Private Lynch was captured along with other members of her Army maintenance company when their convoy was ambushed near Nasiriya.

She was rescued in a bold commando raid 10 days later. The bodies of some fellow soldiers were also recovered. Ever since, she has been undergoing treatment for some very serious injuries.

CNN producer David Jolley is at the air base and joins us now on the phone -- good morning to you, David. DAVID JOLLEY, CNN PRODUCER: Good morning.

As you can see, we're looking at live pictures of a C-17 cargo plane that's been adapted to take wounded back to the States. As you say, Private First Class Jessica Lynch is on board with five members of her family. We're just waiting for the aircraft to leave. We've just seen them testing the flaps, so we do believe this aircraft will move in a few minutes.

COLLINS: David, when is that we might hear from the family or at least, I believe the military will be speaking for the family? They've prepared a statement, is that right?

JOLLEY: Absolutely. The family have issued a statement through the hospital, a printed statement that will be read by a military official here at Ramstein Air Base. They're telling us at the moment that this will be read when the aircraft is actually on its way, taxiing to take off or either -- or either that or in the air. At this moment we can't say emphatically when we'll receive that, but we're expecting that in the next few minutes.

COLLINS: And, you know, David, we just saw pictures moments ago of when Jessica was actually taken from the ambulance or the transport vehicle, if you will, onto the plane. We weren't very, you know, able to see very well from here. Were you able to get a look at all at how she might seem to appear to you?

JOLLEY: Not at all. I can't really comment on that. There was some confusion as to whether it was, in fact, Jessica. We can now confirm that the fourth stretcher patient to be carried from that bus, that medical bus, was, indeed, Jessica. We can't comment on her condition. We know only what we've heard from the hospital, that she's improved quite considerably over the past few days. She's been starting to take solid foods. She's been sitting up in her hospital bed. She's been chatting to her family, who have been visiting her over the past six days every single day.

But more than that we can't really say at this point.

COLLINS: All right, David Jolley, thanks so much for the update on that.

We want to make sure that we let you know, as well, that we'll be taking live pictures as that plane does land in Washington, D.C. I believe Andrews Air Force Base will be where it will be touching down.

And something you also don't want to miss, in the 11:00 a.m. Eastern hour, we'll hear from the pilot of the helicopter involved in that rescue. Colonel Stuart Knoll. He will join us by telephone. That, I am sure, will be very interesting, indeed. And tonight be sure to watch our special on Jessica Lynch's dramatic rescue and treatment at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 p.m. Pacific.

For now, we are going to turn it over to our colleague Daryn Kagan, who's standing by in Kuwait -- good morning to you, Daryn. DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Heidi and Leon, good morning, or, I should say, even good afternoon. It's already well past 3:00 p.m. here in Kuwait City.

We want to focus on Baghdad right now. There are tentative signs of order being restored to the Iraqi capital. Plus, we want to tell you about a tantalizing tip from the man who says he was Saddam Hussein's plastic surgeon.

Our Martin Savidge is in Baghdad with the latest from there -- Marty, hello.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn, and good afternoon to everyone from Baghdad here.

Let me tell you about some of the stories from the 1st Battalion 7th Marines. This was the unit that we were embedded with and they've had a very busy day, and an unusual one.

First of all, the man who came forward, apparently, to Charlie Company of the 1st Battalion 7th Marines. They're out on patrol in the eastern sector of Baghdad this morning and a man comes up to them and surrenders and then identifies himself as Saddam Hussein's plastic surgeon. Says that he not only conducted plastic surgery on Saddam Hussein, but for all of his family and extended family. And on top of that, he says he knows where the regime leaders were headed to when they were vacating.

Could not confirm to the Marines whether or not Saddam was still alive and hinted, though, or -- let me back up -- said possibly that Saddam had had some surgery to alter how he looked, but he also said he knows that they have fled and he knows where they have gone. Well, that grabbed the attention of the Marines right away. He's been passed on to the intelligence people and you can bet they're asking him a lot of questions, because trying to find the remainder of the regime is number one priority here in Baghdad.

Now, to the other incident involving 1-7. This afternoon, another unit goes to a school. What do they find? Well, the Marines say they found the manufacturing point of hundreds of suicide bomber vests. Now, these are the vests that suicide bombers traditionally wear, pack them with explosives and then carry out their deadly explosions. Again, found inside of a school. This is something that we have seen over and over again when it comes to munitions and the potential for weapons being used or hidden inside of schools in the country of Iraq. And they said that they also found about 300 vests. No word on explosives, but 300 vests.

And then, remember last Wednesday, the firefight at Baghdad University? I certainly remember it extremely well. So does Scott McKinney (ph), the photographer that day. Well, it turns out that they've now gone over the grounds of that university and they have found literally tons and tons of ammunition. So much, they say, that there is more than they can possibly handle or get rid of completely. They are going to attempt to try to burn it, but they say that the entire university was literally on the grenades an ammunition dump. Now, it just shows you, again, how schools were being used in Iraq.

Finally, as to the city of Baghdad itself, well, smoke is still rising in the background here, fires still burning, gunfire still can be heard throughout the city. Nighttime usually brings some very heavy explosions. But there are small signs of success, at least attempting to get back to normal. Shops, we saw today, reopening. We saw people standing in long lines trying to find the basics of food. But the shops were at least open. Some looting still taking place. The Marines there again, spreading out this time on foot trying to stop it all and, most important, some of the people who are involved with the basic needs such as water supply, electricity, sanitary, starting to show up at work, as well as the police themselves.

So is it all over for the city of Baghdad? Certainly not. Maybe, though, the seeds of rebirth are starting to be planted these days -- Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Marty, a lot of fascinating developments there and as you said, that firefight you remember, I bet there's a lot of things from the last few weeks that you're going to carry with you the rest of your life.

Thank you for that report from Baghdad -- Leon, we'll toss it back to you in Atlanta.

HARRIS: All right, good deal.

Thanks, Daryn.

We'll see you in just a bit.

Now, just within the last hour, we heard General Vernon Brooks of the U.S. coalition talking about rumors that Saddam Hussein was dead. Well, let's get more on that and the rest of what the coalition is saying this morning.

And for that we turn now to our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr -- good morning, Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Leon.

Well, the fate of Saddam Hussein, General Brooks still says who knows, no confirmation one way or the other. But the military says it is pursuing its goal, its military goal of getting rid of whatever is left of the regime. Now, to that end, elms of the 4th Infantry Division now moving into southern Iraq from Kuwait. And as those 4th I.D. troops move in, that's freeing up some other troops to move north and do other things.

Now, 7,000 to 10,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division are now arriving in Baghdad, as you see. They are going to Baghdad to help with the security situation there on the streets, try and help get a handle on the looting. Interestingly, General Brooks said further north in Mosul, they were setting up a neighborhood watch program to try and help with the looting in that city. So a lot of efforts being made.

Back in Baghdad, interestingly, General David McKiernan, the top land commander of coalition forces, he also has moved from Kuwait. He is now at Baghdad International Airport in his new command post on the ground trying to get a better handle on a situation in the capital.

And another troop movement to report. Elements of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force are now leaving the capital area and they are moving further north. They are headed towards Tikrit, we are told, Tikrit, of course, being the last potential stronghold of the regime leaders, the ancestral homeland of Saddam Hussein. Brigadier General Vernon Brooks talked this morning about why Tikrit is so important and why U.S. troops are headed there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. VINCENT BROOKS, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: Tikrit is one of the areas where we still have concern that there may be presence of regime forces or some capabilities that still exist and we have been relentlessness in our effort focused against the Tikrit area. This is not something new. This has been ongoing for some time throughout the campaign, because we know that it is an area that has been important to the regime and that regime leaders are from in and around the Tikrit area.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: And, Leon, one other interesting headline from the briefing. General Brooks said that U.S. forces out in the west of Iraq had taken 59 men into custody. They were carrying $600,000 and letters offering rewards for killing U.S. soldiers -- Leon.

HARRIS: Yes, that is more than interesting, Barbara.

Thanks.

We'll get back to you later on, Barbara Starr.

Barbara Starr at the Pentagon.

Thanks.

All right, now the head of Central Command, General Tommy Franks, is going to be interviewed by our very own Wolf Blitzer on "LATE EDITION." That's coming up tomorrow at noon Eastern, 9:00 Pacific, right here on CNN. And in the 1:00 p.m. Eastern hour of "LATE EDITION" tomorrow, Wolf Blitzer will talk about post-war Iraq with exiled Iraqi National Congress official Ahmed Chalabi, who is at the center of quite a bit of attention right about now.

COLLINS: Yes, he is. Indeed. All right, we'll look forward to that. Well, coming up, the battle for Tikrit, the town where Saddam Hussein was born and where he has staunch supporters. It has been under fire from coalition forces.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And, of course, we're keeping our eye on Ramstein Air Force Base. This is the C-17 cargo plane that is carrying Private First Class Jessica Lynch and a bunch of others, as well, who have been injured in the war in Iraq. They're coming home to the U.S. for more treatment and for reuniting with their families.

Our David Jolley is joining us now. He's been there on the tarmac, or nearby, at least, watching all the proceedings there out there on the tarmac -- David.

JOLLEY: Yes, I'm here.

HARRIS: All right, give us an idea of what's happening right now.

JOLLEY: Well, as you just said, the C-17 cargo aircraft that you can see in those live pictures is just taxiing up to the runaway. Jessica Lynch, of course, is on board, with five of her family members. We expect this aircraft to make an eight or nine hour journey to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington and then we expect Private Lynch to be transferred from there to the Walter Reed medical facility in Washington, D.C. for further treatment.

HARRIS: All right, as we also understand, David, there's going to be a statement read by military officials there, a statement that has been put together by the Lynch family. But right now do we know where the Lynch family is? Are they also on board this plane? Because I know they left, they flew over there on a private jet.

JOLLEY: The Lynch family are sitting in that gray C-17 plane, yes, with Jessica Lynch. They're traveling all together back to the States. They will be sitting somewhere up front there. There's a seating area towards the front, towards the cockpit. Jessica will be secured in near the rear of the plane in a litter, in a stretcher. But, yes, all five family members are also on board with Private Lynch.

COLLINS: And, David, this is just an absolutely huge plane. I don't know if you've ever been in one. But if you stand inside of a C-17, you are just feeling very, very tiny. So I imagine they are flying quite comfortable, I hope. They do have a long flight.

How long will it take, David, any idea, actually, to get to D.C.?

JOLLEY: Well, military officials here on the ground are saying between eight and nine hours to reach Andrews Air Base.

HARRIS: All right, and from there they'll be ferried over to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., as well. And still right now, and we haven't had a chance to find out more specifically about what kind of treatment Jessica Lynch and any of the others who are also on board this plane right now, are going to be receiving when they get there. But we do know that what has been happening with this Private Lynch there has been an extensive emotional assessment, as well as a physical assessment of all of her -- of everything that she's endured in the past couple of weeks.

COLLINS: Right. Yes, I am sure the rehabilitation and recovery is going to be a very, very long process, you would imagine. But, you know, from what we have seen of her family in previous interviews and certainly the press, the way that it's been covered, a lot of support for Jessica. And we certainly hope it's the same for the other injured soldiers who are on board that plane. I believe there are 50 total, is that right?

HARRIS: Yes. And unfortunately we don't have names and home towns of all 49 others who may be on board there.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: We'd like to give them all justice. But Jessica Lynch is the one who's actually been first and foremost in many people's hands because of the dramatic story of her rescue, one of the few stories you'll ever hear of a successful rescue of a POW.

COLLINS: And I can't wait to hear more about that. We've been telling you all morning long that we are going to actually speak with -- coming up later on -- the helicopter pilot who was involved in that rescue and that should clear up some of the details. In fact, there is some of the rescue video there now near the left hand side of your screen. As you can see, unbelievable. I just, I'm very anxious to hear about, a little bit, anyway, about how that went down.

I'm not sure if we'll get all the details, because if one of those type of operations were to have to take place again, because we still have several POWs, seven, I believe, I'm sure they don't want to give away too much information.

HARRIS: That's right.

COLLINS: Also want to let you know, we are going to try to stay with this live picture as you see that Air Force plane getting ready to take off, very much awaiting the military to read the statement from Jessica Lynch's family. We're not sure when that's going to happen, if it's going to be once that plane is in the air, as David Jolley was telling us, or they're going to give it some time to, you know, clear the area. A C-17 is pretty loud when it takes off.

HARRIS: Yes, exactly. As a matter of fact, there it goes as it begins the taxiing there.

David, do you have any idea at all of the extent of the injuries that these soldiers are actually having to deal with right now? I would imagine they can't be so bad that the travel is going to actually complicate their health in any way.

JOLLEY: No, absolutely not. The patients that are traveling on this aircraft will have been stabilized, certainly, to make the eight or nine hour journey back to the States. I mean as you probably already know, Landstuhl Hospital forms part of a well rehearsed plan. First of all, wounded are treated in the battle region by medics. Then they're moved to a site hospital. Then from the site hospital, they're airlifted out to Landstuhl. And then from Landstuhl, obviously, they're then returned to the States, to a hospital in the States.

So it's a very well rehearsed procedure. But the extent of the injuries of those on board, we're not too sure. We know, obviously, the injuries that Private Lynch suffered, but as to the other 49 patients traveling with her, I can't give you further information on them.

HARRIS: And as you mentioned, the injuries that Private Lynch sustained, there have been questions all along about what exactly did happen, you know.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: Initially there were reports that she had been shot a number of times. There was even speculation that perhaps her injuries were the result of some torture, perhaps. But it did turn out that she did suffer two broken legs and she did suffer gunshot wounds, which actually may have caused the broken legs.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: So, and as you see there, she is well on her way, she and her compadres.

COLLINS: That's right. Clean take off. Can you imagine what is going on in their minds, not just Jessica Lynch's and her family, because we do know that she has five family members on board, but all of the rest of the soldiers in that plane just waiting. I mean it's going to be a long eight or nine hours, that's for sure, to get back home.

HARRIS: Yes, it is. But some of, one of the things that may surprise people at home who have never been through this sort of thing and have never served before, I've been surprised myself to hear from people who have been through this whole process describe how they may actually be feeling some, a bit of remorse because they're leaving their friends and their buddies behind.

COLLINS: Right. Right.

HARRIS: And the fact that some of the people that they're leaving behind are people who sacrificed their lives or put their lives on the line to help and protect them, as well.

COLLINS: Absolutely.

HARRIS: There's -- and that's part of the emotional process, the emotional healing process that goes -- that they go through there in Landstuhl. COLLINS: And I'm sure Jessica feels that a whole lot with the other POWs still being there, as well.

HARRIS: As a matter of fact, she was quoted earlier this week asking about the rest of her unit.

COLLINS: All right, you know what, Leon?

HARRIS: She was more concerned about them than she was about herself.

COLLINS: Right. Hopefully we are going to hear now the statement from the Lynch family. It looks like that should be coming up any minute. We're going to kind of keep our eye on this for you and see what happens.

So once again, this is a, as you can imagine, just a huge day for the family to actually be clear of Germany and be heading back home to America. So it's a huge day.

HARRIS: Hard to tell exactly what this is right now. But I'm going to guess, as we can see the microphones there. They're all trying to simply get everything together for this impromptu press conference here.

Let's listen in. I believe they're about to begin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's get a sound check first.

MAJOR MIKE YOUNG, U.S. AIR FORCE: OK, how's this? Can you hear me OK, everybody? Is this a good sound check for you? I'll speak at about this volume if this is good for you. OK?

Are we all set?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think so. Go ahead, sir.

YOUNG: OK, here we go.

My name is Major Mike Young, from the 86th Airlift Wing public affairs office.

The Lynch family prepared a statement earlier today and they asked that we read the statement to you upon their liftoff from Germany. It reads as follows: "Our family has been blessed by the tremendous outpouring of support for our daughter, Jessie. People from across West Virginia, the United States, everywhere in the world have offered comfort and aid. On behalf of Jessie, our family would like to offer our deepest, most sincere thanks for this show of affection.

We would especially like to thank the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, the West Virginia National Guard and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller for their help in uniting us with our daughter. We would also like to thank the residents of Wirt County and West Virginia Governor Bob Wise for their commitment to helping Jessie experience a full and speedy recovery.

Furthermore, we can't leave Germany without expressing our gratitude to the professionals at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Air Force air medical evacuation squadrons. We truly believe Jessie would not have made such great progress in her recovery had it other news today been for their care and concern.

We are forever thankful for the compassion with which they have treated her and the other injured service members.

The Landstuhl support staff and the Army and the Air Force military community have been wonderful. From the moment we arrived, they took care of our most basic needs, allowing us to focus on our daughter's recovery. To those who supported us, the chaplains, the drivers and the Fisher House management staff and volunteers, we want to thank you one more time. You touched our hearts and we will never forget you.

We also want to remind everyone that the Fisher House can only survive through donations from around the world. We ask each of you to consider supporting this very worthy organization. And the services it provides to military families is unmatched by any other organization.

It is almost impossible to express how grateful we are to the brave American service members who participated in Jessie's rescue and to the courageous Iraqi citizens who risked their lives to make her rescue possible. Jessie is alive because of their sacrifices.

Jessie's recovery continues and she is doing well. She is in pain, but she is in good spirits. Although she faces a lengthy rehabilitation, she is tough. We believe she will regain her strength soon. Our family is proud of Jessie. In our eyes, she and her rescuers are heroes.

But we also understand that Jessie was a soldier performing her duty, the same way thousands of other service members perform their duties every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every military member on the battlefield and at their duty stations. We pray for their safety.

We also offer our prayers for the families who have lost loved ones during the war or who have loved ones still designated at missing in action or confirmed as prisoners of war. We know your hearts are broken. We hope you will soon find comfort.

During Jessie's transition to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, her recovery is priority. We ask that the media understand that our immediate concern is for Jessie's recovery. She is under the care of the finest physicians in the world. We know both the American people and the members of the media join with us as we make Jessie's privacy and complete recovery priority one. Toward that end, we'd ask your understanding and support as we defer further interviews and press conferences until Jessie is settled in.

Again, thank you for your understanding and join us as we continue to pray for you and to support America's military members, their families and everyone who has suffered during this war.

Signed, Greg Lynch, Sr., Dee Lynch, Greg Lynch, Jr., Brandy Lynch and Dan Little."

Thank you very much.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you.

COLLINS: All right, we have just heard the statement from Jessica Lynch's family and that was Major Mike Young addressing the press there. Obviously, no questions from them.

Something that stood out to me, certainly, was the statement that she made, or actually the family made, about being just completely impossible to express how grateful they are to the brave American service members who participated in Jessie's rescue and also the courageous Iraqi citizens, too, really extending their thanks.

They say that Jessie is alive because of their sacrifices.

HARRIS: One particular Iraqi citizen, that lawyer that helped the troops that went in and got her.

COLLINS: That's right. Just an unbelievable story.

HARRIS: Yes, and risked his life.

COLLINS: Also, we learned, obviously, from this statement that they are really wishing for their privacy and hoping that they can have some time now to focus on Jessica's recovery and her rehabilitation.

HARRIS: Yes. And one small note. Did you catch the thing, the note about the Fisher House?

COLLINS: Yes.

HARRIS: We learned about that this week in the briefings with the Pentagon. We heard Secretary Rumsfeld mention the Fisher House. It's actually a charity, the Fisher Foundation. They run some 31 different houses at every single major medical facility, medical center run by the military.

COLLINS: They do.

HARRIS: And they actually provide housing and other humanitarian needs for families that are visiting their injured loved ones.

COLLINS: Right. Some real comfort.

HARRIS: Yes.

COLLINS: Because I know the family has been there since Sunday, so almost a week.

HARRIS: Right. Yes. COLLINS: So they really have needed that care very much.

Once again, we do want to remind you about something you really don't want to miss. In the 11:00 a.m. Eastern hour, we are going to hear from the pilot of the helicopter involved in that dramatic rescue of PFC Jessica Lynch, Colonel Stuart Knoll. He is going to talk to us by telephone, so we're looking forward to that, indeed.

And also tonight, make sure you watch our special on Jessica Lynch's dramatic rescue and her treatment. That's coming up at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 p.m. Pacific.

HARRIS: All right, and while Private Lynch and her compatriots are now winging their way back to the States, there is still work left to be done in Iraq by the troops that they are actually leaving behind.

Well, coming up, we'll talk with our Major General Don Shepperd, our analyst, who's going to give us insight on what's going on right now on the ground. The focus now being on Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's family home.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: And we understand that that may become the central focal point in the days to come.

COLLINS: All right.

HARRIS: Stay with us. Much more coming up.

COLLINS: We'll be back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: All right, here's what's happening at this hour.

She's coming home at this hour. U.S. Army Private First Class Jessica Lynch, rescued in that dramatic raid by U.S. troops at al- Nasiriya, due to arrive in the Washington area about six and a half hours from now. Private Lynch was captured by Iraqi forces in a March 23rd ambush on her maintenance convoy. Since her rescue, she's been cared for at a U.S. hospital in Germany, the Landstuhl Medical Center. And there, as you see here, are the pictures that we saw moments ago of the Ramstein Air Base, which is near Landstuhl. And Jessica Lynch and about 50 other injured soldiers are there on board this C-17. And right now they are in the air heading back for the States.

Well, it's up for grabs. More looting in Baghdad, everything from light fixtures to tennis rackets. But U.S. military officials are trying to put together an Iraqi police force to stop all the looting and the violence under way.

Well, he was the voice of Saddam Hussein at the United Nations and now Ambassador Mohammed Aldouri has left the States for Paris and then eventually, we hear, for Syria. But before leaving, he told reporters, and we quote here, "I will see you, I hope, in a peaceful time with a good friendship between Iraq and the United States."

Iraqi leaders in Kut, meantime, have agreed to hand over control of that southern city to U.S. military officials today. But CNN's Art Harris, who is there, says that U.S. intelligence indicates that paramilitaries from other countries such as Syria and Jordan may have gathered in Kut and the fear now is that they would help Iraqis launch suicide attacks against U.S. troops, complicating any hand over there.

(NEWS UPDATE)

HARRIS: But here now we have other news to talk about. Let's get to the developments we're following this hour in the war in Iraq.

Right now, rescued POW Jessica Lynch is on her way back to the States. She'll be taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for more treatment. Also ahead, how to rebuild a war ravaged nation. We'll talk about it with an international security expert. And standing on the sidelines during the war, now the leaders of what some call the coalition of the unwilling -- France, Germany and Russia -- are stepping up to the plate and pushing for the U.N. to play a key role in Iraq's future.

Well, good morning from CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.

Leon Harris here.

COLLINS: And I'm Heidi Collins.

This is AMERICAN MORNING SATURDAY.

And Bill, as, well, here we go. We're going to move right along to everything that's happening today. We want to make sure that we let you know about a look at our early briefing and some of the stories that you can expect later on today.

Saddam Hussein's fall from power will be the focus of President Bush's weekly radio address this morning. That is at 10:06 Eastern time. And rescued prisoner of war Private First Class Jessica Lynch is on her way back to the U.S. from Germany right now, as we've been telling you about this morning. She will receive treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

For now, we are going to bring in our colleague Daryn Kagan.

She's standing by in Kuwait this morning, or this afternoon, I should say, there -- hi, Daryn.

KAGAN: We'll cover both ends of that, how about that, Heidi? 3:35 p.m. here in Kuwait City, an hour later in Baghdad, and that's where we get word that things are calming down a bit, perhaps looting not as intense as it has been over the last couple of days.

Our Martin Savidge is in Baghdad and he has the latest right now from the Iraqi capital -- Marty, hello once again.

SAVIDGE: Hello, Daryn. Looting is down somewhat, although it's hard to figure out exactly why. It could be because there's hardly anything more that hasn't been taken that is left to be taken. But anyway, the Marines are also trying to enforce any efforts to stop the looting. They are doing a good job of getting their infantry units on the street.

Let's talk about something else. The face of Saddam Hussein used to be everywhere in this country. Well, the man who said he worked on that face, his plastic surgeon, has now reportedly turned himself in to the U.S. Marines. It happened this morning. It was the 1st Battalion 7th Marines, Charlie Company, specifically, on patrol, they thought a routine patrol this morning in Baghdad, when a man approaches them. He says he was the plastic surgeon for Saddam Hussein, not only the leader, but also all of his family, as well, and says that he not only worked on his face, but a number of other things.

And he had, most of all, the big surprise, he said, information about the whereabouts, where the Iraqi regime has now fled to.

Well, of course, we're right now taking this as one man's word. The Marines took him into custody and they have now passed him on to the intelligence people and you can bet that doctor is getting a lot of questions thrown his way.

Also today, remember the firefight that took place, well, last Wednesday, that we were involved in on Baghdad University campus? It turns out now that they have done a complete and thorough search of that university campus and have said that the Marines claim it was an ammunition dump, so much ammunition, weaponry, anti-aircraft guns and technos, those pickup trucks with the machine guns mounted in the back on the property that they don't know how to get rid of it all right now.

In fact, they're talking about trying to burn it, although that could take a lot of time. And it's one more case of a school, in this case a university, that was used by the Iraqi regime apparently to hide weaponry and to store ammunition.

As far as Baghdad itself, gunfire still rings throughout the city from time to time. Explosions can be heard after dark and the looting, as we already mentioned, is continuing. But positive signs today, signs of store fronts beginning to open, people to start going shopping again, although in some of those stores, there are long lines. And there is also said to be word that those that work in civil service starting to come back to their jobs, which is essential to turn on the lights and get the water running and get the city going again -- Daryn.

KAGAN: It sounds much more hopeful than we've heard of the last couple days.

Martin Savidge in Baghdad.

Thank you -- Leon, you take it from here.

HARRIS: Thank you, Daryn. Will do.

Central Command in Qatar reminds us that military operations are ongoing in various parts of Iraq right now still.

And our military analyst, retired Air Force Major General Don Shepperd joins us now to share his expertise.

Good to see you again this morning.

Let's talk about what is going to go on right now in Tikrit. That seems to be the focal point.

MAJ. GEN. DON SHEPPERD (RET.), U.S. AIR FORCE, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Yes, you bet, Leon. Moving also from north to south a little bit today Tikrit. The north has been basically secured, including the oil fields, and a major problem has been averted there. It appears that the Kurdish fighters will withdraw and provide the 173rd the ability to go into the Kirkuk oil fields, avoiding a clash with the Turks, if you will.

In the Tikrit area, we're waiting to see if there's really going to be a battle or if, indeed, it's going to be a final sigh and the forces melt away. They're being hit by air right now.

Action over at al-Qaim, al-Qaim in the western part of the nation, going into the Syria area there, trying to clean up some of that area and in the Baghdad trying to provide stability. The 101st is moving up and elms of the 3rd Infantry and the Marines are going to be able to move up toward the Tikrit area as the 101st moves in there, and also elms of the 4th Infantry Division moving in from the south now, starting to move into southern Iraq from Kuwait, getting off the ships.

Still cleanup action in the Kut area and the al-Amarah area southeast of Kut.

So lots going on across the country, but it looks like the only real fighting left is in the Tikrit area. Everything else is cleanup of pockets, Leon.

HARRIS: Well, what did we learn about that al-Qaim situation? Because yesterday the talk there was that the fighting was so intense, that there had to be something very important that they were trying either to hide or defend.

What do you think was going on there?

SHEPPERD: Yes, the word from CENTCOM was that they've had al- Qaim under control for a long period of time. Now, basically yesterday they went in there and they basically, they called it secured, a water purification plant, a couple of other facilities there, including an air defense network. They also found two missiles. And so there's interest that it could have been a weapons of mass destruction site, but they haven't found any yet there.

HARRIS: All right, finally, the last thing, one thing that everybody is waiting to see, waiting to see discovered here are the POWs. What do we know right now, considering how late this is getting and the fact that we're not seeing at least -- at least we haven't had reported any locals coming out and offering any information? What do you think is happening with that? At what point are we in the search for the POWs?

SHEPPERD: Extreme concern. That's top priority for CENTCOM. Every lead is being followed immediately. They've got search teams ready to go anywhere, anytime to rescue these people. Whoever has these POWs, our knowledge of them, would curry great favor for themselves from the United States and the coalition if they turn over information and turn over these prisoners unharmed. So it's top priority, Leon. But we simply don't know where they are yet.

HARRIS: Exactly. We should remind folks that what we did learn back in '91, the 23 Americans held in that case were moved around quite a bit. That may be happening here, as well.

SHEPPERD: Indeed.

HARRIS: All right, thank you, General Shepperd.

We'll see you soon.

And folks, we'll see you right after a break. Coming up, we'll talk about the next mission and that is rebuilding Iraq. Once security is actually established on the ground, the focus then becomes the future. We'll talk about what it's going to take to rebuild Iraq just ahead after the break. Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Welcome back live to Kuwait City.

All but one of the hospitals in Baghdad has been forced to close because of looting.

More now from ITN correspondent James Mates. He reports the one hospital that is open is itself in dire need of medical attention.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMES MATES, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was the most public bank robbery you will ever see, looters now so emboldened, they smashed the metal grille with an anxiety and whopped as they pour inside. Once in, they swarm over the counters, one group heading straight for the safe, which they swiftly manhandle outside. But even if banks are considered fair game, hospitals surely are not.

This is the Olympia Hospital in downtown Baghdad stripped completely bare by looters. They were still there when we arrived, shamelessly grabbing a few final items. Two young boys even removing the light bulbs. An air conditioning unit was proving stubborn, but it would soon be gone.

Many ordinary Iraqis are getting extremely angry about sights like this, as are the Red Cross, who are demanding that the Americans now act.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We consider that it is the duty of the occupying power to do so and we hope that they will be in a position to actually protect activity and medical activity and access to medical facilities.

MATES: American forces are protecting Baghdad's main hospital. Tanks and troops deployed yesterday when looters threatened. Battle casualties, many, if not most, civilian, are still being rushed here in large numbers. They are brought in the belief they'll get medical care. What they find is primitive, basic, dirty, care in name only.

Most of the hospital staff have been too frightened or simply unable to get to work. Those who are here are struggling with limited power and water, and a dwindling supply of drugs. They rely on relatives to do the most basic tasks. This child loyally holding a drip for his wounded sister.

With just one anesthetist, the operating theater works only intermittently. These patients are lying in a corridor, waiting for amputations.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Her limb is all crushed so it is also waiting for an amputation.

MATES (on camera): It's waiting for an amp...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Amputation and now she is bleeding. You know, the dressing now is wet, is all wet with blood.

MATES: Blood throughout?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

MATES (voice-over): Dr. Fahdi Bunhaim (ph) takes us from patient to patient -- this man's arm smashed by shrapnel -- boiling with frustration at how little he's able to do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She wants to have the operation alive, but in a bad condition. Later on, a few hours later, this morning, she just died.

MATES: She was just 6-years-old. Zenab Kareem (ph) is still alive, but only kept so by the unrelenting efforts of her family. For 36 hours now, they have kept air in her lungs by squeezing this bag.

(on camera): What we have seen here today bears only the faintest resemblance to a hospital and yet the staff here assure me this is the best that Baghdad has to offer, which is why however little they can do for anybody in these filthy, primitive conditions, people keep on coming here.

(voice-over): There is no disguising now that there is a profound and growing crisis in medical care in this city. It is a crisis that the new masters here will be asked, even expected, to address most urgently. (END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: Many Iraqi cities have fallen into coalition control, but since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, there has been looting, lawlessness, chaos and uncertainty. Coalition forces will have to fill the power vacuum and set the stage for rebuilding.

Joining us to talk about that this morning is Jim Walsh of Harvard University. He's done extensive writing on international security.

Tell me, Jim, what is the first priority now? I mean we have seen so much on the looting and trying to get this area to be more secure.

To you, though, what is the very first step to rebuilding?

JIM WALSH, HARVARD UNIVERSITY: Well, I think there are two steps. One is providing that security, because if you don't have security on the ground, you can't do the other things you want to do. You can't provide humanitarian relief. You can't begin reconstruction. You can't begin the political process of building new institutions if people are afraid to come out of their homes.

So that's the first job. And I would say the second job is going out and finding those weapons of mass destruction. You know, the question is not so much are they there, but are we going to find all of them? Because we have, we're concerned that people might walk off with some of these, that scientists might travel to other countries and work for terrorists or work for other nations.

So I think providing security and finding those weapons of mass destruction are the top two priorities.

COLLINS: And along the lines of finding the security, we know that the U.S. military is interviewing retired Iraqi police officers. They're trying to get these people back in power, so to speak. But these were members of the Baath Party that were sort of cast aside. How will the Iraqi people ever be able to trust them, and is that even possible?

WALSH: Well, that's a great question, Heidi, and I think they'll trust some and others they won't trust. We know from Afghanistan who you pick to be a police officer is the crucial question. And training a professional force. You can get any group of people to carry guns around and enforce the law, but then it becomes the sort of thing where they're enforcing the law for their own advantage.

So finding the right people, people that the citizenship trusts, and then training them so they act professionally, it takes time and it's difficult.

You know, we've been in Afghanistan for over a year now and it was just earlier this year that we had a riot in one of the neighborhoods of Kabul because people were unhappy with the police force that we had put together. So I think it's a difficult thing, but it's probably the most important thing we can do right now.

COLLINS: What about the neighborhood watches? We heard a little bit today at the CENTCOM briefing from General Vernon Brooks about how they are trying to put in place some of these neighborhood watches. Is that going to do any good?

WALSH: Well, you know, I think some of the criticism about looting is unfair, because you're always going to have some looting. Any time you have the collapse of a government, particularly a dictatorial government, you're going to have looting. But, on the other hand, the notion that somehow neighborhood watches are going to solve this problem, it's just not credible. I mean New York City has neighborhood watches, but that doesn't mean they don't have a police department.

It's a supplement, not a substitute. U.S. forces at some point are going to have to provide law and order until they can get a police force up and running, and there's no getting around that.

COLLINS: And they'll have to do it together (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

WALSH: Absolutely.

COLLINS: All right, Jim Walsh with Harvard University, thanks for your analysis this morning.

WALSH: Thank you, Heidi.

HARRIS: When we come back, from far and near they come to say good-bye to the fallen heroes of the 507th Maintenance Company.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Flag face. We have to thank the United States, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) country, services of the United States.

HARRIS: Stay with us today throughout the day on the network. Lots of special coverage. Tonight, a special on young Private Lynch's dramatic rescue and treatment, as well. That comes your way right here at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 Pacific.

Now, before we end this hour, we want to pause and reflect on what was a somber day at Fort Bliss, Texas.

COLLINS: Thousands gathered there to honor nine members of the 507th Maintenance Company who were killed in an ambush in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All gave some, but some gave all.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Today, we celebrate the lives of our fallen teammates in the 507th.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The most painful part of the service to me was the roll call, when they called each one of the nine soldiers who had died in action and they were not able to answer.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it was a good day. I think this was a wonderful tribute, a great turnout, a nice service.

(ROLL CALL FROM SERVICE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We should salute them for their personal courage. God bless our loved ones, our heroes, their families, their friends (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Here now, a quick update of the headlines at this hour. Rescued POW Jessica Lynch is soon going to be just within a couple of hours drive of her hometown in West Virginia, Palestine, West Virginia. She and 49 other wounded troops left Germany today for medical treatment in the U.S. The transport plane is due to arrive at Andrews Air Base in Maryland this afternoon.

Muslim clerics are calling for residents of Baghdad and other areas to halt the looting. Government homes and residences have been ransacked since the regime collapsed several days ago. The U.S. military presence in the capital is being increased now to improve security.

U.S. officials say that they have intercepted conversations from Iraqi officials suggesting that Saddam Hussein has been killed. Those U.S. officials say that the Iraqis could be right, they could be mistaken, or they could be trying to make the U.S. believe that Hussein is dead when he actually is not.

Iraqi leaders in Kut have agreed to hand over control of that southern city to U.S. military officials today. But CNN's Art Harris is saying that U.S. intelligence indicates paramilitaries from other countries such as Syria and Jordan may have gathered in Kut and there is fear that they would help Iraqis launch suicide attacks against U.S. troops.

(NEWS UPDATE)

HARRIS: Now, turning to some of the war developments that we are following this hour, plans for a post-war Iraq, we'll take a look at rebuilding Iraq through the eyes of the Arab world and we'll take you to the Master's Golf Tournament, where women activists plan to rally today against the Augusta National's male only membership policy. And can he be the next pop icon? In rock's truth challenged, if you will, Minister of Information has become a very popular man.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com







Aired April 12, 2003 - 08:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.
I'm Heidi Collins.

We want to take a quick live picture now at some of the events of the day. Certainly this one would be the one to talk about. You are looking at the plane at Ramstein Air Force Base, a C-17 there, with Jessica Lynch on board and several other injured soldiers whop will be taken back to America today and reunited with their families. We are going to talk more about that as the morning goes on.

As we just said, U.S. Army PFC Jessica Lynch, rescued in a dramatic raid by U.S. troops in Nasiriya, she's due to arrive in the Washington area seven hours from now. PFC Lynch was captured by Iraqi forces in a March 23rd ambush on her maintenance convoy. Since her rescue, she's been cared for at a U.S. hospital in Germany.

Well, it's up for grabs. More looting in Baghdad, everything from light fixtures to tennis rackets. But U.S. military officials are trying to put together an Iraqi police force to stop all the looting and violence.

U.S. officials say they have intercepted conversations from Iraqi officials suggesting Saddam Hussein has been killed. Those U.S. officials say the Iraqis could be right, could be mistaken, or could be trying to make the U.S. believe Saddam Hussein is dead when he is not.

Iraqi leaders in Kut have agreed to hand over control of that southern city to U.S. military officials today. But CNN's Art Harris says U.S. intelligence indicates paramilitaries from other countries like Syria and Jordan may have gathered in Kut. The fear is that they would help Iraqis launch suicide attacks against U.S. troops.

(NEWS UPDATE)

Here now are the developments we're following this hour in the war in Iraq. Right now, rescued POW Jessica Lynch is on her way back to the U.S. She'll be taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington for treatment. Also ahead, how to rebuild a war ravaged nation. We'll talk about it with an international security expert. And standing on the sidelines during the war, now the leaders of what some call the coalition of the unwilling -- France, Germany and Russia -- step up to the plate and push for the U.N. to play a key role in Iraq's future.

Good morning, everybody, from CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.

It's 8:00 a.m. on the East Coast and 4:00 p.m. in Baghdad.

I'm Heidi Collins.

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Leon Harris here.

Glad to have you folks with us.

Hello and welcome to AMERICAN MORNING SATURDAY.

Lots going on this morning already. And here now are some of the latest images of war that we've got in here for you to share. A mob descended on Baghdad's main bank, breaking in to pillage and plunder. We saw this scene earlier this week in northern Iraq. This is happening now in Baghdad. Looters also forced all but one of Baghdad's hospitals to close. The only one left open now is surrounded by coalition tanks and that's to stop the looters. We heard reports yesterday of people taking operating tables down the streets of Baghdad.

Now, the northern city of Kirkuk was liberated on Thursday and as the Iraqi front line moved from there to Tikrit, the looting began, with some villagers there even being attacked and their property stolen directly from them and not from government offices. Some people living in Baghdad are taking the law into their own hands, capturing and beating up those that they catch looting. There's no police there, so the police -- the people are policing themselves.

Here now is a look at our early briefing and some of the stories you can expect later today right here on the network. Saddam Hussein's fall from power will be the focus of President Bush's weekly radio address this morning. That airs at 10:06 Eastern. Rescued prisoner of war Private First Class Jessica Lynch, as we just said, is about to get on her way back to the U.S. from Germany today and she's going to receive treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

And a memorial service will take place this evening in Tuba City, Arizona for Army Private First Class Laurie Piestewa. She was a member of the 507th Maintenance Unit that was ambushed in southern Iraq back on March 23rd.

COLLINS: As we just mentioned a couple of times now, Army Private Jessica Lynch is about to fly home now. That plane is due to leave momentarily from Ramstein Air Base in Germany. This is another live picture this morning. As you may recall, Private Lynch was captured along with other members of her Army maintenance company when their convoy was ambushed near Nasiriya.

She was rescued in a bold commando raid 10 days later. The bodies of some fellow soldiers were also recovered. Ever since, she has been undergoing treatment for some very serious injuries.

CNN producer David Jolley is at the air base and joins us now on the phone -- good morning to you, David. DAVID JOLLEY, CNN PRODUCER: Good morning.

As you can see, we're looking at live pictures of a C-17 cargo plane that's been adapted to take wounded back to the States. As you say, Private First Class Jessica Lynch is on board with five members of her family. We're just waiting for the aircraft to leave. We've just seen them testing the flaps, so we do believe this aircraft will move in a few minutes.

COLLINS: David, when is that we might hear from the family or at least, I believe the military will be speaking for the family? They've prepared a statement, is that right?

JOLLEY: Absolutely. The family have issued a statement through the hospital, a printed statement that will be read by a military official here at Ramstein Air Base. They're telling us at the moment that this will be read when the aircraft is actually on its way, taxiing to take off or either -- or either that or in the air. At this moment we can't say emphatically when we'll receive that, but we're expecting that in the next few minutes.

COLLINS: And, you know, David, we just saw pictures moments ago of when Jessica was actually taken from the ambulance or the transport vehicle, if you will, onto the plane. We weren't very, you know, able to see very well from here. Were you able to get a look at all at how she might seem to appear to you?

JOLLEY: Not at all. I can't really comment on that. There was some confusion as to whether it was, in fact, Jessica. We can now confirm that the fourth stretcher patient to be carried from that bus, that medical bus, was, indeed, Jessica. We can't comment on her condition. We know only what we've heard from the hospital, that she's improved quite considerably over the past few days. She's been starting to take solid foods. She's been sitting up in her hospital bed. She's been chatting to her family, who have been visiting her over the past six days every single day.

But more than that we can't really say at this point.

COLLINS: All right, David Jolley, thanks so much for the update on that.

We want to make sure that we let you know, as well, that we'll be taking live pictures as that plane does land in Washington, D.C. I believe Andrews Air Force Base will be where it will be touching down.

And something you also don't want to miss, in the 11:00 a.m. Eastern hour, we'll hear from the pilot of the helicopter involved in that rescue. Colonel Stuart Knoll. He will join us by telephone. That, I am sure, will be very interesting, indeed. And tonight be sure to watch our special on Jessica Lynch's dramatic rescue and treatment at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 p.m. Pacific.

For now, we are going to turn it over to our colleague Daryn Kagan, who's standing by in Kuwait -- good morning to you, Daryn. DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Heidi and Leon, good morning, or, I should say, even good afternoon. It's already well past 3:00 p.m. here in Kuwait City.

We want to focus on Baghdad right now. There are tentative signs of order being restored to the Iraqi capital. Plus, we want to tell you about a tantalizing tip from the man who says he was Saddam Hussein's plastic surgeon.

Our Martin Savidge is in Baghdad with the latest from there -- Marty, hello.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn, and good afternoon to everyone from Baghdad here.

Let me tell you about some of the stories from the 1st Battalion 7th Marines. This was the unit that we were embedded with and they've had a very busy day, and an unusual one.

First of all, the man who came forward, apparently, to Charlie Company of the 1st Battalion 7th Marines. They're out on patrol in the eastern sector of Baghdad this morning and a man comes up to them and surrenders and then identifies himself as Saddam Hussein's plastic surgeon. Says that he not only conducted plastic surgery on Saddam Hussein, but for all of his family and extended family. And on top of that, he says he knows where the regime leaders were headed to when they were vacating.

Could not confirm to the Marines whether or not Saddam was still alive and hinted, though, or -- let me back up -- said possibly that Saddam had had some surgery to alter how he looked, but he also said he knows that they have fled and he knows where they have gone. Well, that grabbed the attention of the Marines right away. He's been passed on to the intelligence people and you can bet they're asking him a lot of questions, because trying to find the remainder of the regime is number one priority here in Baghdad.

Now, to the other incident involving 1-7. This afternoon, another unit goes to a school. What do they find? Well, the Marines say they found the manufacturing point of hundreds of suicide bomber vests. Now, these are the vests that suicide bombers traditionally wear, pack them with explosives and then carry out their deadly explosions. Again, found inside of a school. This is something that we have seen over and over again when it comes to munitions and the potential for weapons being used or hidden inside of schools in the country of Iraq. And they said that they also found about 300 vests. No word on explosives, but 300 vests.

And then, remember last Wednesday, the firefight at Baghdad University? I certainly remember it extremely well. So does Scott McKinney (ph), the photographer that day. Well, it turns out that they've now gone over the grounds of that university and they have found literally tons and tons of ammunition. So much, they say, that there is more than they can possibly handle or get rid of completely. They are going to attempt to try to burn it, but they say that the entire university was literally on the grenades an ammunition dump. Now, it just shows you, again, how schools were being used in Iraq.

Finally, as to the city of Baghdad itself, well, smoke is still rising in the background here, fires still burning, gunfire still can be heard throughout the city. Nighttime usually brings some very heavy explosions. But there are small signs of success, at least attempting to get back to normal. Shops, we saw today, reopening. We saw people standing in long lines trying to find the basics of food. But the shops were at least open. Some looting still taking place. The Marines there again, spreading out this time on foot trying to stop it all and, most important, some of the people who are involved with the basic needs such as water supply, electricity, sanitary, starting to show up at work, as well as the police themselves.

So is it all over for the city of Baghdad? Certainly not. Maybe, though, the seeds of rebirth are starting to be planted these days -- Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Marty, a lot of fascinating developments there and as you said, that firefight you remember, I bet there's a lot of things from the last few weeks that you're going to carry with you the rest of your life.

Thank you for that report from Baghdad -- Leon, we'll toss it back to you in Atlanta.

HARRIS: All right, good deal.

Thanks, Daryn.

We'll see you in just a bit.

Now, just within the last hour, we heard General Vernon Brooks of the U.S. coalition talking about rumors that Saddam Hussein was dead. Well, let's get more on that and the rest of what the coalition is saying this morning.

And for that we turn now to our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr -- good morning, Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Leon.

Well, the fate of Saddam Hussein, General Brooks still says who knows, no confirmation one way or the other. But the military says it is pursuing its goal, its military goal of getting rid of whatever is left of the regime. Now, to that end, elms of the 4th Infantry Division now moving into southern Iraq from Kuwait. And as those 4th I.D. troops move in, that's freeing up some other troops to move north and do other things.

Now, 7,000 to 10,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division are now arriving in Baghdad, as you see. They are going to Baghdad to help with the security situation there on the streets, try and help get a handle on the looting. Interestingly, General Brooks said further north in Mosul, they were setting up a neighborhood watch program to try and help with the looting in that city. So a lot of efforts being made.

Back in Baghdad, interestingly, General David McKiernan, the top land commander of coalition forces, he also has moved from Kuwait. He is now at Baghdad International Airport in his new command post on the ground trying to get a better handle on a situation in the capital.

And another troop movement to report. Elements of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force are now leaving the capital area and they are moving further north. They are headed towards Tikrit, we are told, Tikrit, of course, being the last potential stronghold of the regime leaders, the ancestral homeland of Saddam Hussein. Brigadier General Vernon Brooks talked this morning about why Tikrit is so important and why U.S. troops are headed there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. VINCENT BROOKS, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: Tikrit is one of the areas where we still have concern that there may be presence of regime forces or some capabilities that still exist and we have been relentlessness in our effort focused against the Tikrit area. This is not something new. This has been ongoing for some time throughout the campaign, because we know that it is an area that has been important to the regime and that regime leaders are from in and around the Tikrit area.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: And, Leon, one other interesting headline from the briefing. General Brooks said that U.S. forces out in the west of Iraq had taken 59 men into custody. They were carrying $600,000 and letters offering rewards for killing U.S. soldiers -- Leon.

HARRIS: Yes, that is more than interesting, Barbara.

Thanks.

We'll get back to you later on, Barbara Starr.

Barbara Starr at the Pentagon.

Thanks.

All right, now the head of Central Command, General Tommy Franks, is going to be interviewed by our very own Wolf Blitzer on "LATE EDITION." That's coming up tomorrow at noon Eastern, 9:00 Pacific, right here on CNN. And in the 1:00 p.m. Eastern hour of "LATE EDITION" tomorrow, Wolf Blitzer will talk about post-war Iraq with exiled Iraqi National Congress official Ahmed Chalabi, who is at the center of quite a bit of attention right about now.

COLLINS: Yes, he is. Indeed. All right, we'll look forward to that. Well, coming up, the battle for Tikrit, the town where Saddam Hussein was born and where he has staunch supporters. It has been under fire from coalition forces.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And, of course, we're keeping our eye on Ramstein Air Force Base. This is the C-17 cargo plane that is carrying Private First Class Jessica Lynch and a bunch of others, as well, who have been injured in the war in Iraq. They're coming home to the U.S. for more treatment and for reuniting with their families.

Our David Jolley is joining us now. He's been there on the tarmac, or nearby, at least, watching all the proceedings there out there on the tarmac -- David.

JOLLEY: Yes, I'm here.

HARRIS: All right, give us an idea of what's happening right now.

JOLLEY: Well, as you just said, the C-17 cargo aircraft that you can see in those live pictures is just taxiing up to the runaway. Jessica Lynch, of course, is on board, with five of her family members. We expect this aircraft to make an eight or nine hour journey to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington and then we expect Private Lynch to be transferred from there to the Walter Reed medical facility in Washington, D.C. for further treatment.

HARRIS: All right, as we also understand, David, there's going to be a statement read by military officials there, a statement that has been put together by the Lynch family. But right now do we know where the Lynch family is? Are they also on board this plane? Because I know they left, they flew over there on a private jet.

JOLLEY: The Lynch family are sitting in that gray C-17 plane, yes, with Jessica Lynch. They're traveling all together back to the States. They will be sitting somewhere up front there. There's a seating area towards the front, towards the cockpit. Jessica will be secured in near the rear of the plane in a litter, in a stretcher. But, yes, all five family members are also on board with Private Lynch.

COLLINS: And, David, this is just an absolutely huge plane. I don't know if you've ever been in one. But if you stand inside of a C-17, you are just feeling very, very tiny. So I imagine they are flying quite comfortable, I hope. They do have a long flight.

How long will it take, David, any idea, actually, to get to D.C.?

JOLLEY: Well, military officials here on the ground are saying between eight and nine hours to reach Andrews Air Base.

HARRIS: All right, and from there they'll be ferried over to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., as well. And still right now, and we haven't had a chance to find out more specifically about what kind of treatment Jessica Lynch and any of the others who are also on board this plane right now, are going to be receiving when they get there. But we do know that what has been happening with this Private Lynch there has been an extensive emotional assessment, as well as a physical assessment of all of her -- of everything that she's endured in the past couple of weeks.

COLLINS: Right. Yes, I am sure the rehabilitation and recovery is going to be a very, very long process, you would imagine. But, you know, from what we have seen of her family in previous interviews and certainly the press, the way that it's been covered, a lot of support for Jessica. And we certainly hope it's the same for the other injured soldiers who are on board that plane. I believe there are 50 total, is that right?

HARRIS: Yes. And unfortunately we don't have names and home towns of all 49 others who may be on board there.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: We'd like to give them all justice. But Jessica Lynch is the one who's actually been first and foremost in many people's hands because of the dramatic story of her rescue, one of the few stories you'll ever hear of a successful rescue of a POW.

COLLINS: And I can't wait to hear more about that. We've been telling you all morning long that we are going to actually speak with -- coming up later on -- the helicopter pilot who was involved in that rescue and that should clear up some of the details. In fact, there is some of the rescue video there now near the left hand side of your screen. As you can see, unbelievable. I just, I'm very anxious to hear about, a little bit, anyway, about how that went down.

I'm not sure if we'll get all the details, because if one of those type of operations were to have to take place again, because we still have several POWs, seven, I believe, I'm sure they don't want to give away too much information.

HARRIS: That's right.

COLLINS: Also want to let you know, we are going to try to stay with this live picture as you see that Air Force plane getting ready to take off, very much awaiting the military to read the statement from Jessica Lynch's family. We're not sure when that's going to happen, if it's going to be once that plane is in the air, as David Jolley was telling us, or they're going to give it some time to, you know, clear the area. A C-17 is pretty loud when it takes off.

HARRIS: Yes, exactly. As a matter of fact, there it goes as it begins the taxiing there.

David, do you have any idea at all of the extent of the injuries that these soldiers are actually having to deal with right now? I would imagine they can't be so bad that the travel is going to actually complicate their health in any way.

JOLLEY: No, absolutely not. The patients that are traveling on this aircraft will have been stabilized, certainly, to make the eight or nine hour journey back to the States. I mean as you probably already know, Landstuhl Hospital forms part of a well rehearsed plan. First of all, wounded are treated in the battle region by medics. Then they're moved to a site hospital. Then from the site hospital, they're airlifted out to Landstuhl. And then from Landstuhl, obviously, they're then returned to the States, to a hospital in the States.

So it's a very well rehearsed procedure. But the extent of the injuries of those on board, we're not too sure. We know, obviously, the injuries that Private Lynch suffered, but as to the other 49 patients traveling with her, I can't give you further information on them.

HARRIS: And as you mentioned, the injuries that Private Lynch sustained, there have been questions all along about what exactly did happen, you know.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: Initially there were reports that she had been shot a number of times. There was even speculation that perhaps her injuries were the result of some torture, perhaps. But it did turn out that she did suffer two broken legs and she did suffer gunshot wounds, which actually may have caused the broken legs.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: So, and as you see there, she is well on her way, she and her compadres.

COLLINS: That's right. Clean take off. Can you imagine what is going on in their minds, not just Jessica Lynch's and her family, because we do know that she has five family members on board, but all of the rest of the soldiers in that plane just waiting. I mean it's going to be a long eight or nine hours, that's for sure, to get back home.

HARRIS: Yes, it is. But some of, one of the things that may surprise people at home who have never been through this sort of thing and have never served before, I've been surprised myself to hear from people who have been through this whole process describe how they may actually be feeling some, a bit of remorse because they're leaving their friends and their buddies behind.

COLLINS: Right. Right.

HARRIS: And the fact that some of the people that they're leaving behind are people who sacrificed their lives or put their lives on the line to help and protect them, as well.

COLLINS: Absolutely.

HARRIS: There's -- and that's part of the emotional process, the emotional healing process that goes -- that they go through there in Landstuhl. COLLINS: And I'm sure Jessica feels that a whole lot with the other POWs still being there, as well.

HARRIS: As a matter of fact, she was quoted earlier this week asking about the rest of her unit.

COLLINS: All right, you know what, Leon?

HARRIS: She was more concerned about them than she was about herself.

COLLINS: Right. Hopefully we are going to hear now the statement from the Lynch family. It looks like that should be coming up any minute. We're going to kind of keep our eye on this for you and see what happens.

So once again, this is a, as you can imagine, just a huge day for the family to actually be clear of Germany and be heading back home to America. So it's a huge day.

HARRIS: Hard to tell exactly what this is right now. But I'm going to guess, as we can see the microphones there. They're all trying to simply get everything together for this impromptu press conference here.

Let's listen in. I believe they're about to begin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's get a sound check first.

MAJOR MIKE YOUNG, U.S. AIR FORCE: OK, how's this? Can you hear me OK, everybody? Is this a good sound check for you? I'll speak at about this volume if this is good for you. OK?

Are we all set?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think so. Go ahead, sir.

YOUNG: OK, here we go.

My name is Major Mike Young, from the 86th Airlift Wing public affairs office.

The Lynch family prepared a statement earlier today and they asked that we read the statement to you upon their liftoff from Germany. It reads as follows: "Our family has been blessed by the tremendous outpouring of support for our daughter, Jessie. People from across West Virginia, the United States, everywhere in the world have offered comfort and aid. On behalf of Jessie, our family would like to offer our deepest, most sincere thanks for this show of affection.

We would especially like to thank the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, the West Virginia National Guard and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller for their help in uniting us with our daughter. We would also like to thank the residents of Wirt County and West Virginia Governor Bob Wise for their commitment to helping Jessie experience a full and speedy recovery.

Furthermore, we can't leave Germany without expressing our gratitude to the professionals at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Air Force air medical evacuation squadrons. We truly believe Jessie would not have made such great progress in her recovery had it other news today been for their care and concern.

We are forever thankful for the compassion with which they have treated her and the other injured service members.

The Landstuhl support staff and the Army and the Air Force military community have been wonderful. From the moment we arrived, they took care of our most basic needs, allowing us to focus on our daughter's recovery. To those who supported us, the chaplains, the drivers and the Fisher House management staff and volunteers, we want to thank you one more time. You touched our hearts and we will never forget you.

We also want to remind everyone that the Fisher House can only survive through donations from around the world. We ask each of you to consider supporting this very worthy organization. And the services it provides to military families is unmatched by any other organization.

It is almost impossible to express how grateful we are to the brave American service members who participated in Jessie's rescue and to the courageous Iraqi citizens who risked their lives to make her rescue possible. Jessie is alive because of their sacrifices.

Jessie's recovery continues and she is doing well. She is in pain, but she is in good spirits. Although she faces a lengthy rehabilitation, she is tough. We believe she will regain her strength soon. Our family is proud of Jessie. In our eyes, she and her rescuers are heroes.

But we also understand that Jessie was a soldier performing her duty, the same way thousands of other service members perform their duties every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every military member on the battlefield and at their duty stations. We pray for their safety.

We also offer our prayers for the families who have lost loved ones during the war or who have loved ones still designated at missing in action or confirmed as prisoners of war. We know your hearts are broken. We hope you will soon find comfort.

During Jessie's transition to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, her recovery is priority. We ask that the media understand that our immediate concern is for Jessie's recovery. She is under the care of the finest physicians in the world. We know both the American people and the members of the media join with us as we make Jessie's privacy and complete recovery priority one. Toward that end, we'd ask your understanding and support as we defer further interviews and press conferences until Jessie is settled in.

Again, thank you for your understanding and join us as we continue to pray for you and to support America's military members, their families and everyone who has suffered during this war.

Signed, Greg Lynch, Sr., Dee Lynch, Greg Lynch, Jr., Brandy Lynch and Dan Little."

Thank you very much.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you.

COLLINS: All right, we have just heard the statement from Jessica Lynch's family and that was Major Mike Young addressing the press there. Obviously, no questions from them.

Something that stood out to me, certainly, was the statement that she made, or actually the family made, about being just completely impossible to express how grateful they are to the brave American service members who participated in Jessie's rescue and also the courageous Iraqi citizens, too, really extending their thanks.

They say that Jessie is alive because of their sacrifices.

HARRIS: One particular Iraqi citizen, that lawyer that helped the troops that went in and got her.

COLLINS: That's right. Just an unbelievable story.

HARRIS: Yes, and risked his life.

COLLINS: Also, we learned, obviously, from this statement that they are really wishing for their privacy and hoping that they can have some time now to focus on Jessica's recovery and her rehabilitation.

HARRIS: Yes. And one small note. Did you catch the thing, the note about the Fisher House?

COLLINS: Yes.

HARRIS: We learned about that this week in the briefings with the Pentagon. We heard Secretary Rumsfeld mention the Fisher House. It's actually a charity, the Fisher Foundation. They run some 31 different houses at every single major medical facility, medical center run by the military.

COLLINS: They do.

HARRIS: And they actually provide housing and other humanitarian needs for families that are visiting their injured loved ones.

COLLINS: Right. Some real comfort.

HARRIS: Yes.

COLLINS: Because I know the family has been there since Sunday, so almost a week.

HARRIS: Right. Yes. COLLINS: So they really have needed that care very much.

Once again, we do want to remind you about something you really don't want to miss. In the 11:00 a.m. Eastern hour, we are going to hear from the pilot of the helicopter involved in that dramatic rescue of PFC Jessica Lynch, Colonel Stuart Knoll. He is going to talk to us by telephone, so we're looking forward to that, indeed.

And also tonight, make sure you watch our special on Jessica Lynch's dramatic rescue and her treatment. That's coming up at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 p.m. Pacific.

HARRIS: All right, and while Private Lynch and her compatriots are now winging their way back to the States, there is still work left to be done in Iraq by the troops that they are actually leaving behind.

Well, coming up, we'll talk with our Major General Don Shepperd, our analyst, who's going to give us insight on what's going on right now on the ground. The focus now being on Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's family home.

COLLINS: Right.

HARRIS: And we understand that that may become the central focal point in the days to come.

COLLINS: All right.

HARRIS: Stay with us. Much more coming up.

COLLINS: We'll be back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: All right, here's what's happening at this hour.

She's coming home at this hour. U.S. Army Private First Class Jessica Lynch, rescued in that dramatic raid by U.S. troops at al- Nasiriya, due to arrive in the Washington area about six and a half hours from now. Private Lynch was captured by Iraqi forces in a March 23rd ambush on her maintenance convoy. Since her rescue, she's been cared for at a U.S. hospital in Germany, the Landstuhl Medical Center. And there, as you see here, are the pictures that we saw moments ago of the Ramstein Air Base, which is near Landstuhl. And Jessica Lynch and about 50 other injured soldiers are there on board this C-17. And right now they are in the air heading back for the States.

Well, it's up for grabs. More looting in Baghdad, everything from light fixtures to tennis rackets. But U.S. military officials are trying to put together an Iraqi police force to stop all the looting and the violence under way.

Well, he was the voice of Saddam Hussein at the United Nations and now Ambassador Mohammed Aldouri has left the States for Paris and then eventually, we hear, for Syria. But before leaving, he told reporters, and we quote here, "I will see you, I hope, in a peaceful time with a good friendship between Iraq and the United States."

Iraqi leaders in Kut, meantime, have agreed to hand over control of that southern city to U.S. military officials today. But CNN's Art Harris, who is there, says that U.S. intelligence indicates that paramilitaries from other countries such as Syria and Jordan may have gathered in Kut and the fear now is that they would help Iraqis launch suicide attacks against U.S. troops, complicating any hand over there.

(NEWS UPDATE)

HARRIS: But here now we have other news to talk about. Let's get to the developments we're following this hour in the war in Iraq.

Right now, rescued POW Jessica Lynch is on her way back to the States. She'll be taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for more treatment. Also ahead, how to rebuild a war ravaged nation. We'll talk about it with an international security expert. And standing on the sidelines during the war, now the leaders of what some call the coalition of the unwilling -- France, Germany and Russia -- are stepping up to the plate and pushing for the U.N. to play a key role in Iraq's future.

Well, good morning from CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.

Leon Harris here.

COLLINS: And I'm Heidi Collins.

This is AMERICAN MORNING SATURDAY.

And Bill, as, well, here we go. We're going to move right along to everything that's happening today. We want to make sure that we let you know about a look at our early briefing and some of the stories that you can expect later on today.

Saddam Hussein's fall from power will be the focus of President Bush's weekly radio address this morning. That is at 10:06 Eastern time. And rescued prisoner of war Private First Class Jessica Lynch is on her way back to the U.S. from Germany right now, as we've been telling you about this morning. She will receive treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

For now, we are going to bring in our colleague Daryn Kagan.

She's standing by in Kuwait this morning, or this afternoon, I should say, there -- hi, Daryn.

KAGAN: We'll cover both ends of that, how about that, Heidi? 3:35 p.m. here in Kuwait City, an hour later in Baghdad, and that's where we get word that things are calming down a bit, perhaps looting not as intense as it has been over the last couple of days.

Our Martin Savidge is in Baghdad and he has the latest right now from the Iraqi capital -- Marty, hello once again.

SAVIDGE: Hello, Daryn. Looting is down somewhat, although it's hard to figure out exactly why. It could be because there's hardly anything more that hasn't been taken that is left to be taken. But anyway, the Marines are also trying to enforce any efforts to stop the looting. They are doing a good job of getting their infantry units on the street.

Let's talk about something else. The face of Saddam Hussein used to be everywhere in this country. Well, the man who said he worked on that face, his plastic surgeon, has now reportedly turned himself in to the U.S. Marines. It happened this morning. It was the 1st Battalion 7th Marines, Charlie Company, specifically, on patrol, they thought a routine patrol this morning in Baghdad, when a man approaches them. He says he was the plastic surgeon for Saddam Hussein, not only the leader, but also all of his family, as well, and says that he not only worked on his face, but a number of other things.

And he had, most of all, the big surprise, he said, information about the whereabouts, where the Iraqi regime has now fled to.

Well, of course, we're right now taking this as one man's word. The Marines took him into custody and they have now passed him on to the intelligence people and you can bet that doctor is getting a lot of questions thrown his way.

Also today, remember the firefight that took place, well, last Wednesday, that we were involved in on Baghdad University campus? It turns out now that they have done a complete and thorough search of that university campus and have said that the Marines claim it was an ammunition dump, so much ammunition, weaponry, anti-aircraft guns and technos, those pickup trucks with the machine guns mounted in the back on the property that they don't know how to get rid of it all right now.

In fact, they're talking about trying to burn it, although that could take a lot of time. And it's one more case of a school, in this case a university, that was used by the Iraqi regime apparently to hide weaponry and to store ammunition.

As far as Baghdad itself, gunfire still rings throughout the city from time to time. Explosions can be heard after dark and the looting, as we already mentioned, is continuing. But positive signs today, signs of store fronts beginning to open, people to start going shopping again, although in some of those stores, there are long lines. And there is also said to be word that those that work in civil service starting to come back to their jobs, which is essential to turn on the lights and get the water running and get the city going again -- Daryn.

KAGAN: It sounds much more hopeful than we've heard of the last couple days.

Martin Savidge in Baghdad.

Thank you -- Leon, you take it from here.

HARRIS: Thank you, Daryn. Will do.

Central Command in Qatar reminds us that military operations are ongoing in various parts of Iraq right now still.

And our military analyst, retired Air Force Major General Don Shepperd joins us now to share his expertise.

Good to see you again this morning.

Let's talk about what is going to go on right now in Tikrit. That seems to be the focal point.

MAJ. GEN. DON SHEPPERD (RET.), U.S. AIR FORCE, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Yes, you bet, Leon. Moving also from north to south a little bit today Tikrit. The north has been basically secured, including the oil fields, and a major problem has been averted there. It appears that the Kurdish fighters will withdraw and provide the 173rd the ability to go into the Kirkuk oil fields, avoiding a clash with the Turks, if you will.

In the Tikrit area, we're waiting to see if there's really going to be a battle or if, indeed, it's going to be a final sigh and the forces melt away. They're being hit by air right now.

Action over at al-Qaim, al-Qaim in the western part of the nation, going into the Syria area there, trying to clean up some of that area and in the Baghdad trying to provide stability. The 101st is moving up and elms of the 3rd Infantry and the Marines are going to be able to move up toward the Tikrit area as the 101st moves in there, and also elms of the 4th Infantry Division moving in from the south now, starting to move into southern Iraq from Kuwait, getting off the ships.

Still cleanup action in the Kut area and the al-Amarah area southeast of Kut.

So lots going on across the country, but it looks like the only real fighting left is in the Tikrit area. Everything else is cleanup of pockets, Leon.

HARRIS: Well, what did we learn about that al-Qaim situation? Because yesterday the talk there was that the fighting was so intense, that there had to be something very important that they were trying either to hide or defend.

What do you think was going on there?

SHEPPERD: Yes, the word from CENTCOM was that they've had al- Qaim under control for a long period of time. Now, basically yesterday they went in there and they basically, they called it secured, a water purification plant, a couple of other facilities there, including an air defense network. They also found two missiles. And so there's interest that it could have been a weapons of mass destruction site, but they haven't found any yet there.

HARRIS: All right, finally, the last thing, one thing that everybody is waiting to see, waiting to see discovered here are the POWs. What do we know right now, considering how late this is getting and the fact that we're not seeing at least -- at least we haven't had reported any locals coming out and offering any information? What do you think is happening with that? At what point are we in the search for the POWs?

SHEPPERD: Extreme concern. That's top priority for CENTCOM. Every lead is being followed immediately. They've got search teams ready to go anywhere, anytime to rescue these people. Whoever has these POWs, our knowledge of them, would curry great favor for themselves from the United States and the coalition if they turn over information and turn over these prisoners unharmed. So it's top priority, Leon. But we simply don't know where they are yet.

HARRIS: Exactly. We should remind folks that what we did learn back in '91, the 23 Americans held in that case were moved around quite a bit. That may be happening here, as well.

SHEPPERD: Indeed.

HARRIS: All right, thank you, General Shepperd.

We'll see you soon.

And folks, we'll see you right after a break. Coming up, we'll talk about the next mission and that is rebuilding Iraq. Once security is actually established on the ground, the focus then becomes the future. We'll talk about what it's going to take to rebuild Iraq just ahead after the break. Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Welcome back live to Kuwait City.

All but one of the hospitals in Baghdad has been forced to close because of looting.

More now from ITN correspondent James Mates. He reports the one hospital that is open is itself in dire need of medical attention.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMES MATES, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was the most public bank robbery you will ever see, looters now so emboldened, they smashed the metal grille with an anxiety and whopped as they pour inside. Once in, they swarm over the counters, one group heading straight for the safe, which they swiftly manhandle outside. But even if banks are considered fair game, hospitals surely are not.

This is the Olympia Hospital in downtown Baghdad stripped completely bare by looters. They were still there when we arrived, shamelessly grabbing a few final items. Two young boys even removing the light bulbs. An air conditioning unit was proving stubborn, but it would soon be gone.

Many ordinary Iraqis are getting extremely angry about sights like this, as are the Red Cross, who are demanding that the Americans now act.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We consider that it is the duty of the occupying power to do so and we hope that they will be in a position to actually protect activity and medical activity and access to medical facilities.

MATES: American forces are protecting Baghdad's main hospital. Tanks and troops deployed yesterday when looters threatened. Battle casualties, many, if not most, civilian, are still being rushed here in large numbers. They are brought in the belief they'll get medical care. What they find is primitive, basic, dirty, care in name only.

Most of the hospital staff have been too frightened or simply unable to get to work. Those who are here are struggling with limited power and water, and a dwindling supply of drugs. They rely on relatives to do the most basic tasks. This child loyally holding a drip for his wounded sister.

With just one anesthetist, the operating theater works only intermittently. These patients are lying in a corridor, waiting for amputations.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Her limb is all crushed so it is also waiting for an amputation.

MATES (on camera): It's waiting for an amp...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Amputation and now she is bleeding. You know, the dressing now is wet, is all wet with blood.

MATES: Blood throughout?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

MATES (voice-over): Dr. Fahdi Bunhaim (ph) takes us from patient to patient -- this man's arm smashed by shrapnel -- boiling with frustration at how little he's able to do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She wants to have the operation alive, but in a bad condition. Later on, a few hours later, this morning, she just died.

MATES: She was just 6-years-old. Zenab Kareem (ph) is still alive, but only kept so by the unrelenting efforts of her family. For 36 hours now, they have kept air in her lungs by squeezing this bag.

(on camera): What we have seen here today bears only the faintest resemblance to a hospital and yet the staff here assure me this is the best that Baghdad has to offer, which is why however little they can do for anybody in these filthy, primitive conditions, people keep on coming here.

(voice-over): There is no disguising now that there is a profound and growing crisis in medical care in this city. It is a crisis that the new masters here will be asked, even expected, to address most urgently. (END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: Many Iraqi cities have fallen into coalition control, but since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, there has been looting, lawlessness, chaos and uncertainty. Coalition forces will have to fill the power vacuum and set the stage for rebuilding.

Joining us to talk about that this morning is Jim Walsh of Harvard University. He's done extensive writing on international security.

Tell me, Jim, what is the first priority now? I mean we have seen so much on the looting and trying to get this area to be more secure.

To you, though, what is the very first step to rebuilding?

JIM WALSH, HARVARD UNIVERSITY: Well, I think there are two steps. One is providing that security, because if you don't have security on the ground, you can't do the other things you want to do. You can't provide humanitarian relief. You can't begin reconstruction. You can't begin the political process of building new institutions if people are afraid to come out of their homes.

So that's the first job. And I would say the second job is going out and finding those weapons of mass destruction. You know, the question is not so much are they there, but are we going to find all of them? Because we have, we're concerned that people might walk off with some of these, that scientists might travel to other countries and work for terrorists or work for other nations.

So I think providing security and finding those weapons of mass destruction are the top two priorities.

COLLINS: And along the lines of finding the security, we know that the U.S. military is interviewing retired Iraqi police officers. They're trying to get these people back in power, so to speak. But these were members of the Baath Party that were sort of cast aside. How will the Iraqi people ever be able to trust them, and is that even possible?

WALSH: Well, that's a great question, Heidi, and I think they'll trust some and others they won't trust. We know from Afghanistan who you pick to be a police officer is the crucial question. And training a professional force. You can get any group of people to carry guns around and enforce the law, but then it becomes the sort of thing where they're enforcing the law for their own advantage.

So finding the right people, people that the citizenship trusts, and then training them so they act professionally, it takes time and it's difficult.

You know, we've been in Afghanistan for over a year now and it was just earlier this year that we had a riot in one of the neighborhoods of Kabul because people were unhappy with the police force that we had put together. So I think it's a difficult thing, but it's probably the most important thing we can do right now.

COLLINS: What about the neighborhood watches? We heard a little bit today at the CENTCOM briefing from General Vernon Brooks about how they are trying to put in place some of these neighborhood watches. Is that going to do any good?

WALSH: Well, you know, I think some of the criticism about looting is unfair, because you're always going to have some looting. Any time you have the collapse of a government, particularly a dictatorial government, you're going to have looting. But, on the other hand, the notion that somehow neighborhood watches are going to solve this problem, it's just not credible. I mean New York City has neighborhood watches, but that doesn't mean they don't have a police department.

It's a supplement, not a substitute. U.S. forces at some point are going to have to provide law and order until they can get a police force up and running, and there's no getting around that.

COLLINS: And they'll have to do it together (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

WALSH: Absolutely.

COLLINS: All right, Jim Walsh with Harvard University, thanks for your analysis this morning.

WALSH: Thank you, Heidi.

HARRIS: When we come back, from far and near they come to say good-bye to the fallen heroes of the 507th Maintenance Company.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Flag face. We have to thank the United States, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) country, services of the United States.

HARRIS: Stay with us today throughout the day on the network. Lots of special coverage. Tonight, a special on young Private Lynch's dramatic rescue and treatment, as well. That comes your way right here at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 Pacific.

Now, before we end this hour, we want to pause and reflect on what was a somber day at Fort Bliss, Texas.

COLLINS: Thousands gathered there to honor nine members of the 507th Maintenance Company who were killed in an ambush in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All gave some, but some gave all.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Today, we celebrate the lives of our fallen teammates in the 507th.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The most painful part of the service to me was the roll call, when they called each one of the nine soldiers who had died in action and they were not able to answer.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it was a good day. I think this was a wonderful tribute, a great turnout, a nice service.

(ROLL CALL FROM SERVICE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We should salute them for their personal courage. God bless our loved ones, our heroes, their families, their friends (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Here now, a quick update of the headlines at this hour. Rescued POW Jessica Lynch is soon going to be just within a couple of hours drive of her hometown in West Virginia, Palestine, West Virginia. She and 49 other wounded troops left Germany today for medical treatment in the U.S. The transport plane is due to arrive at Andrews Air Base in Maryland this afternoon.

Muslim clerics are calling for residents of Baghdad and other areas to halt the looting. Government homes and residences have been ransacked since the regime collapsed several days ago. The U.S. military presence in the capital is being increased now to improve security.

U.S. officials say that they have intercepted conversations from Iraqi officials suggesting that Saddam Hussein has been killed. Those U.S. officials say that the Iraqis could be right, they could be mistaken, or they could be trying to make the U.S. believe that Hussein is dead when he actually is not.

Iraqi leaders in Kut have agreed to hand over control of that southern city to U.S. military officials today. But CNN's Art Harris is saying that U.S. intelligence indicates paramilitaries from other countries such as Syria and Jordan may have gathered in Kut and there is fear that they would help Iraqis launch suicide attacks against U.S. troops.

(NEWS UPDATE)

HARRIS: Now, turning to some of the war developments that we are following this hour, plans for a post-war Iraq, we'll take a look at rebuilding Iraq through the eyes of the Arab world and we'll take you to the Master's Golf Tournament, where women activists plan to rally today against the Augusta National's male only membership policy. And can he be the next pop icon? In rock's truth challenged, if you will, Minister of Information has become a very popular man.

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