Saddam's 'executioner' captured

American soldiers today captured a man described as one of Saddam Hussein’s “executioners.”

He was caught in a raid in Baquoba, 40 miles north-east of Baghdad, said Major Josslyn Aberle.

She said he was arrested with a former general and will be turned over to Iraqi police for questioning and trial if his identity is verified,.

Elsewhere, two Iraqis killed as they were trying to place a roadside bomb in Kirkuk, 145 miles north-east of Baghdad.

Two other Iraqis were killed south of Tikrit when a bomb exploded at a traffic roundabout. Tikrit was Saddam’s hometown.

Attackers in a car hurled a hand grenade at two US army vehicles in Baghdad. Five Iraqis, including four teenagers, were wounded.

more than 50,000 faithful gathered in the holy Shiite Muslim city of Najaf to mark the 40th day since the car bomb assassination of revered cleric Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim.

Many chanted pledges of support for Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim, the dead cleric’s brother and a member of the US appointed Governing Council.