SADDAM HUSSEIN CAPTURED, IN COALITION CUSTODY [CENTCOM]

CENTCOM ^ | December 14, 2003

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

	NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

December 14, 2003
Release Number: 03-12-32


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SADDAM HUSSEIN CAPTURED, IN COALITION CUSTODY

Forces from the 4th Infantry Division, coalition forces and special operations forces captured former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, at approximately 8 p.m. local time yesterday in a remote farm house near Tikrit, Iraq.

Operation “Red Dawn” was launched after gaining actionable intelligence identifying two likely locations near the town of Ad Dwar. The First Brigade Combat team of the 4th ID was assigned the mission to capture or kill Saddam Hussein.

The Forces involved in the operation consisted of approximately 600 soldiers including cavalry, artillery, aviation, engineer and special operations forces. The forces cleared the two objectives but initially did not find the target. An additional suspicious site was identified and searched. The area was a small, walled, mud hut compound with a metal lean-to structure. Within the structure a “spider hole” entrance, camouflaged with bricks and dirt was located. The hole was about 6-8 feet deep with space allowing an individual to lie down. Saddam Hussein was found hiding at the bottom of the hole. He was captured without resistance and is in the control of coalition forces at an undisclosed location

Items confiscated during the raid include two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, $750,000.00 U.S. dollars and one white/orange taxi. Two other individuals who have not been identified were also detained.

No one was injured in the operation. Saddam appears in good health and is undergoing further evaluation.

[LibKill]

Items confiscated during the raid include two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, $750,000.00 U.S. dollars and one white/orange taxi.

Use the money to help rebuild Iraq.

Haul the rest of the stuff to 4th Infantry Division headquarters for trophies.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

The best, bert! (^:

[Jerez2]

Oh Rags! Of all the good news you've ever posted, this is the best yet! I am thrilled, literally thrilling through and through. I'm still trying to realize ALL the good things this means. Oh what a great day for the President, for America, for the Iraqui people, for our soldiers over there! What a great Thanksgiving/Christmas present! Thank you God, and to all the earthly agents of this great effort, now crowned with success!

[Hipixs]

http://www.dod.mil/releases/2003/nr20031214-0783.html

Statement by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the Capture of Saddam Hussein

Today is a momentous day for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people have now been liberated in spirit, as well as in fact. As they celebrate, we also stop to remember the many U.S. and Coalition forces who gave their lives to make this moment possible - including many brave Iraqis who served in their new security forces and who have died fighting for their country. Thanks to all of them, the Iraqi people face a future, not of terror, but of freedom. Today, many Iraqis can dare to believe what we have said from the beginning: that the era of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein is over. His terrorist regime is finished.

Yesterday's successful capture was the result of close coordination of intelligence and a rapid, skillfully-executed military action by U.S. forces. It reflects hard work, the courage and the determination of U.S. and coalition forces serving in Iraq. Americans can be enormously proud of them. And, it is important to remember, that each is a volunteer. Each stepped forward to serve and to help fight the global war on terror.

Challenges remain, to be sure. But, as President Bush said today, the United States will see this mission through.

We also give thanks for all the brave young men and women in uniform, from 34 nations, who are serving in Iraq today - as well as those stationed in Afghanistan and across the world, defending freedom in the global war on terror. Though they are far from home during this holiday season, they are serving a truly great cause - the cause of liberty. As the American people celebrate the holidays, we do so with gratitude in our hearts for the forces and for their families, who sacrifice for us all.

[jla]

Bad link, can't access image.

[stand watie]

!!!!!!!!!

i wish i had him in my custody!

free dixie,sw

[JediJones]

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Beautifully said, Jerez.

Big smiles all day here. Thank goodness for FR and FoxNews.

Recaps from the other networks are shameful. My elderly neighbor watches CNN doesn't know that this is good news.

On FN, they're giving due credit and proudly and rightfully acknowledging the importance of this day. Apologies to the intel team from the FN armchair "Generals," even.

Saddam was very talkative, according to Gen. Sanchez. Good news that keeps on giving. (^:

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Today, many Iraqis can dare to believe what we have said from the beginning: that the era of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein is over. His terrorist regime is finished.

Thank you for posting Rummy's comments, Hipixs.

Bless our troops.

Mission #1 accomplished, and no one can take that accomplishment from them, now.

[mirado]

"...The Iraqi people have now been liberated..., we also stop to remember the many U.S. and Coalition forces who gave their lives to make this moment possible.... Thanks to all of them,..." and shame on you, you countries who did nothing (including my own--Canada), except wanting in on the rebuilding. Like Saddam, you'll pay a price, and that's the way it should be. Congratulations America. Thanks President Bush.

Peter W

[aomagrat]

Saddam appears in good health and is undergoing further evaluation.

I hope he gets the same evaluation that the brain bug got in "Starship Troopers".

[Terriergal]

Ya know, it seems to me that when they let their hair get long it's a sign of disgrace in that country, isn't it? Don't they have real stringent guidelines for hair length and anything that's too long indicates ah... well... an affection for the same sex?

[aristeides]

Saddam could reveal arms cache in deal .

[anymouse]

Another petty thug's criminal career cut short by steely-eyed US troops. Hoo-yah!