US claims to have captured Saddam’s aide
US officials are reporting that their forces have captured Saddam Hussein’s closest aide, his parliamentary secretary.
Abid Hamid Mahmud was fourth on the US most wanted list, and is alleged to have implemented many of the state’s repressive policies.
The US also claims he was authorised to deploy weapons of mass destruction.
There have been no details yet released about where he was captured, though earlier the American general Ray Odierno told American reporters that his troops had successfully raided two farm houses near Tikrit.
They reportedly seized $8.5 million, as well as significant amount of other currencies and jewels, along with the arrest of 50 men believed to be members of the Republican Guard or security forces.
