I heard earlier today that the US does not want to come out and say that Saddam is dead but they beleve he probably is.
They won't say it until they are 100% sure because if they did and then Saddam suddenly popped up it would be an embaressment to the US. - BUT - they believe with about 99% certainty that he is dead or very critically wounded.
I heard that too. I think there are probably several good reasons for "playing stupid" including taking control of the country before announcing his death. It seems that will be necessary if there is any hope of an orderly establishment of a new government.