An Iraqi government official today said that preparations were being made to hang two of Saddam Hussein’s co-defendants tomorrow.

A US military spokesman today said there had been no word on the fate of a US Army solider reported missing in central Baghdad, as troops continued door-to-door searches in the central Karadah district.

Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he may be ready to name his nominees for defence and interior minister, the two men who will likely lay the groundwork for carrying out his pledge to take over security around within 18 months, and eventually open the way for US troops to go home.