Saddam makes full recovery after hernia

Saddam Hussein underwent an operation to repair a hernia about 10 days ago but has made a full recovery, Iraqi sources said today.

The ousted dictator was taken to the Ibn Sina hospital near the US-controlled Green Zone in Baghdad for the operation, which was performed by Iraqi doctors, according to sources close to the Human Rights Ministry.

The operation lasted about an hour and Saddam was returned to his cell the same day.

Saddam has been in US custody since December 13, when he was captured by American troops in a hole near his hometown of Tikrit. He is believed to be held in an American-guarded facility near Baghdad International Airport.

He appeared in court in July for a preliminary hearing into charges for which the government intends to prosecute him because of alleged crimes committed during his rule.