Saddam Hussein Captured

December 14, 2003

Saddam Hussein was captured last night by coalition forces. He was found buried in a "spider hole" near a mud hut and a lean-to structure near a remote farm house near Adwar, Iraq, about 8 miles south of Tikrit; looking very tired and disheveled. Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division literally dug him out with shovels. He is being held by coalition forces at an undisclosed location. At an official Coalition Provisional Authority news conference in Baghdad, Saddam was described as "talkative and cooperative."

Since the first public announcement, around noon today in Iraq, celebratory gun fire has been heard throughout Baghdad. There is dancing in the streets. Candy is being passed out by many people in a traditional show of celebration. "A defining moment in the history of Iraq." Adnam Pachachi of the Iraqi Governing Council called upon the Council to declare a permanent national holiday.

Intelligence led to suspicion that the former dictator has been hiding near his home town. A spike of activity dealing with high level members of the former regime during the past 24 hours led to a very high degree of certainty and narrowed the search. An initial assault involving about 600 special troops failed to find him. The area was cordoned off and a systematic search was conducted which led to the location of "suspicious structures." At approximately 8:30 p.m. yesterday (Iraq) the arrest was made without incident.

He had a black and gray beard and has obviously lost weight, having been in hiding for some time with minimal conveniences. He had about 750,000 dollars in U.S. cash with him, a casche of weapons, and a taxi in one of the structures. Positive identification was not taken for granted due to his appearance and use of body doubles in the past. He was originally identified by appearance and scars on his body. Leading member of the Iraqi Governing Council Ahmed Chalabi announced that DNA tests were performed to confirm his identity.

The Iraqi Governing Council recently passed a resolution stating that Saddam Hussein would be tried for war crimes and crimes against the people during his reign, even in absentia if necessary. Given the capture, it is possible for him to stand trial in person. The U.S. has also signaled an intent to put him on trial, and that he may face the death penalty.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari made a public statement expressing his belief that the capture would help the people of Iraq understand that the long era of dictatorship has definitely ended, which will in turn assist in the process of transforming the country into a democracy, and help Iraq toward a stronger and more stable participation in the international community.

It is proposed that Iraq shall have established an independent democratic government before the end of June.

Roger F. Gay

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