DAMASCUS -- An Iraqi opposition group claimed Monday that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was rushed to a Baghdad hospital late Sunday suffering from an apparent stroke after having officiated earlier at the country's biggest New Year's day parade in 10 years.

The Iraqi leader was being treated for "a severe stroke" at Iben Sinna Hospital, said a statement issued by dissident leader Bayan Jaber of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.

The statement said the 63-year-old president's condition was unknown but that he is still in the hospital on Monday. There was no mention of Saddam's medical condition or whereabouts Monday by the official Iraqi news media, which generally refrain from carrying news about his health or that of his family members.

Hussein officiated Sunday at the biggest military parade in Baghdad since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Flanked by top aides, Saddam wore a business suit and hat as he stood on a reviewing stand. He greeted army units with shots from a rifle he held in one hand as tanks rumbled past and fighter jets and helicopter gunships flew overhead.

The parade, following the Ramazan fasting month which ended last week, also marked the end of a four-week training exercise for thousands of "volunteers to launch jihad (holy war) to liberate Palestine" from Israeli occupation.

Saddam warned in October that he was prepared to take steps to "put an end to Zionism" himself even if other Islamic leaders did not join him.

(DPA)