BAGHDAD, Nov 2: The Iraqi government issued a plea on Wednesday to former junior officers in Saddam Hussein’s military who were sacked by the US occupiers after his fall to return to the army as it battles a fierce resistance.

Six weeks before an election, there may be a political as well as practical security motive behind the move.

Within weeks of Saddam’s fall in April 2003, US administrator Paul Bremer disbanded at a stroke Iraq’s 400,000-strong armed forces and security agencies.

US officials said it simply formalized the fact that the army had evaporated in the aftermath of the war, with soldiers deserting en masse.

Now, Washington is racing to build up a new Iraqi army to let it bring home American troops who are pinned down in Iraq by guerillas displaying considerable military experience.

In a statement, Defence Minister Saadoun Dulaimi invited former officers with the ranks of major, captain and lieutenant to return to the forces.

“Those who wish to rejoin the new Iraqi army to serve the precious homeland should go to recruitment centres opened around the country ... for medical procedures and interviews,” he said, listing six centres around the country where they can register.—Reuters