U.S. calls Iraqi troop movement 'all show'

From Chris Plante
CNN National Security Producer

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. intelligence sources indicate an Iraqi armored division is on the move and headed west from Baghdad toward the border with Jordan, officials told CNN on Thursday.

Officials speaking on the condition of anonymity told CNN that a Republican Guard division known as the Hamurabi Division has mobilized from its garrisons around Baghdad and is moving toward the Jordanian border in what is believed to be a symbolic gesture of support for Palestinians and other Arab peoples engaged in the current conflict with Israel.

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CNN's Jamie McIntyre explains what the Iraqi action might mean Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

"It looks to be all diplomatic show," a senior official said.

He said the division is moving with "no logistics supply line behind it," indicating that troops would not be able to sustain operations over a long period of time or over significant distances.

"Parts of other divisions" are also out of garrison and involved in exercises in the western and northern part of the country but so far appear to pose no threat to anyone, including the Kurdish population centered primarily in the north, the official said.

Officials insist the movements are interpreted by intelligence analysts as "just a political move" by the government of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

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