US arrests 'important' Saddam associates

Two men, described as important associates of Saddam Hussein, were captured when 100 US troops raided two houses in the deposed Iraqi dictator’s home town of Tikrit today.

The soldiers did not identify the captives, but said their arrests came in a continuing search for Saddam.

“These are important associates of the former regime,” said Lieutenant Colonel Steve Russell.

The military said the soldiers swept into the two houses and caught the men napping in the afternoon heat.

They believed the capture of the men could bring them a step closer to catching up with the fugitive dictator.

“We believe the information they may possess will further help destroy the regime,” Russell said.