In a rare glimpse into the past, Iraqi pilot Captain Namir Al-Janabi shares intriguing details about his experiences flying with the late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Al-Janabi recounts stringent security protocols and memorable anecdotes from these high-profile journeys.

During an interview on the RT Arabic program 'Qosar Al-Qawl,' hosted by Salam Mosafer, Al-Janabi highlighted some of the most notable trips he remembers. Among them was Saddam Hussein's visit to Havana in 1979 to attend the Non-Aligned Movement summit.

Al-Janabi revealed that preparations for Saddam's arrival began well in advance. Five identical cars and an ambulance were shipped to Cuba, along with a large consignment of Iraqi-made fans, presented as gifts from the Iraqi people to their Cuban counterparts.

The fan gift turned into an amusing episode when the Cubans discovered they were incompatible with their electrical system. The fans were designed for 220-volt power, but Cuba's electricity ran at 110 volts. According to Al-Janabi, the cost of transformers needed to make them operational exceeded the fans' value.

On the return flight from Havana, Saddam flew on a Boeing 707, switching to a jumbo jet for the journey back. This trip involved meticulous security arrangements. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, their aircraft encountered turbulence and a storm in the Bermuda Triangle. The crew received instructions to alter their route from Casablanca to Paris and then London. Al-Janabi noted that Saddam occupied the upper-level presidential cabin, while his son Qusay, around eight years old at the time, relayed his father's instructions to the pilots via written notes.

The plane made a refueling stop in London, where British authorities conducted inspections while Saddam remained onboard.

Al-Janabi also discussed extensive security measures organized for Saddam’s visit to New York for United Nations meetings. Security and intelligence agencies handled these preparations, with Barzan Al-Tikriti and Adel Saeb Shawkat Al-Jubouri conducting preliminary visits to New York. Approximately 1,500 apartments were rented along Saddam's route between his residence and the UN headquarters to secure his path. Additionally, a bulletproof podium was prepared for him in East Germany.

In another incident in Tunisia during an Arab summit, Al-Janabi recounted how Saddam’s security personnel were prohibited from leaving their aircraft with weapons. A similar procedure occurred during a trip to Taif after the liberation of Faw, where Saudi F-16 fighter jets escorted them to Iraqi borders.

These narratives provided by Al-Janabi reveal a blend of complex security arrangements and personal moments that characterized Iraqi presidential travels during that period.