Saddam’s last stronghold on verge of collapse as Bush warns Syria

US TROOPS, buoyed by the recovery of seven prisoners of war, battled the remnants of the Iraqi army in Saddam Hussein’s last stronghold of Tikrit last night and top American officials warned Syria not to grant refuge to fleeing Iraqi leaders.

After nightfall, US Marines fought Iraqi troops, including tanks, on the southern outskirts of Tikrit, where American commanders suspect remaining units of the Republican Guard and Saddam’s Fedayeen fighters will mount a last stand.

Americans rejoiced as all seven listed US prisoners of war were found safe and well on the road between Baghdad and Tikrit after their captors apparently fled from US Marines advancing on Saddam’s besieged hometown. “The guards evidently were deserted by their officers and the guards themselves brought the prisoners of war to the Marines,” said Lt Col Nick Morano at Marine headquarters southeast of Baghdad.