Saddam's bodyguards captured

US troops captured five to ten people believed to be members of Saddam Hussein's personal security detail in a raid on a house, it was revealed today.

Major General Ray Odierno, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said yesterday's raid took place near Tikrit, Saddam's home town and a source of continuing support for his deposed regime, following a tip from an informant.

Asked whether he believed US forces were closing in on Saddam, Odierno said it was unclear whether the newly captured members of his security detail had been protecting him recently.

Odierno said US troops also have spoken with a wife of Saddam. He did not identify her.

"We continue to tighten the noose," he said.