'Saddam captured alive' - Governing council member

Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown of Tikrit, a member of the US-appointed Governing Council said.

Council member Dara Noor al-Din told The Associated Press that the council was informed of the former dictator’s capture in a telephone call from L Paul Bremer, the US administrator for Iraq.

“Bremer has confirmed to the Governing Council that Saddam was captured in Tikrit,” Mr Noor al-Din said. “He spoke on the phone to several members, including Ahmad Chalabi.”

Mr Chalabi is a leading member of the council who has close links to the US administration of President George W Bush.

Another Governing Council member, Jalal Talabani, was earlier quoted by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, as saying Saddam had been captured in Tikrit. Talabani is currently travelling in Spain.

In Baghdad, residents fired small arms in the air in celebration, and gunfire echoed in neighbourhoods across the city.

Earlier in the day, rumours of the capture sent people streaming into the streets of Kirkuk, a northern Iraqi city, firing guns in the air in celebration.

“We are celebrating like it’s a wedding,” said Kirkuk resident Mustapha Sheriff. “We are finally rid of that criminal.”

“This is the joy of a lifetime,” said Ali Al-Bashiri, another resident. “I am speaking on behalf of all the people who suffered under his rule.”

In Baghdad, the US-led occupation notified reporters that a “very important” announcement will be made at a news conference scheduled for 3pm (12pm Irish time) but did not give details.