Blair confirms Saddam held

2003-12-14 13:20

London - Tony Blair has confirmed that former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his home town of Tikrit, Sky news reports.

Reports say Saddam was "dug out of a cellar" from a house in a poverty-stricken area during a raid by US forces, backed by Kurdish troops.

It is claimed that DNA tests have been carried out and his identity confirmed.

Saddam was apparently found with a suitcase containing half a million dollars worth of cash.

Ahmad Chalabi, leader of the Iraqi National Congress, has said Saddam will probably be put on trial.

A spokesperson for the INC said: "We are 100% sure Saddam has been detained by American forces.

A top Iraqi official said US administrator Paul Bremer called Iraqi leaders by telephone to tell them the news.

The US Defence Department is still refusing to confirm the reports, but a news conference has been announced for 12:00 (GMT).

In Baghdad, a spokesperson for the US-led operation notified reporters that a "very important" announcement will be made at the press conference. It is not known who the speaker will be.

The news is spreading around Iraq rapidly and hundreds of exultant people have taken to the streets of Kirkuk and Baghdad firing weapons into the air in celebration.

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