Dubai: With barely hours left for the American deadline to Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave the country, US-led coalition forces in the Gulf on March 19 took up battle positions, but the defiant Iraqi President told countrymen to be ready for the "last battle" against the US.

Thousands of US marines set off in tanks, armoured vehicles and trucks across Kuwait desert to take up battle positions and messages were broadcast from US warships and aircraft telling Iraqi troops how to surrender.

With about 250,000 US and British combat troops along with massive Naval armada and hundreds of warplanes poised to attack Iraq, its Parliament held an emergency session with defiant chants of support for Saddam Hussein.

US has said even if Saddam Hussein went into exile with his two sons Uday and Qusay, its forces would enter into Iraq to hunt for weapons of mass destruction.

US President George W Bush on March 18 gave Saddam Hussein and his two sons to leave the country by 06.30 am (IST) on March 20 or face "military conflict".

Iraqi Parliamentarians rallied behind the Iraqi leader. "We are dedicated to martyrdom in defence of Iraq under your leadership. The people don't accept a leader except you," lawmakers said in a message to Saddam.

Saddam Hussein himself appeared on television dressed in military uniform and asked his commanders to prepare for the battle.

"This battle will be Iraq's last battle against tyrannous, villainous and last battle of aggression undertaken by America against Arabs," he declared.

PTI