On 13 December 2003, American forces captured Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi president, near Tikrit, his hometown.
The operation, codenamed "Red Dawn," involved the U.S. 4th Infantry Division and Special Forces acting on intelligence obtained from weeks of analysis and interrogations. Hussein was found hiding in a "spider hole" beneath a mud hut in Al-Dawr, about 15 kilometres south of Tikrit.
The hideout was a small, camouflaged underground shelter with basic ventilation, and Hussein was discovered with two bodyguards, weapons, and $750,000 in cash. No shots were fired during the operation, and he was taken into custody without resistance.
His capture marked a key moment for Iraq, as it elicited celebrations and a sense of justice among many Iraqis. Hussein was later tried for crimes against humanity.
Other key events on this day
1. Terrorists broke into parliament building in New Delhi, murdered at least 12 - 2001
2. Al Gore conceded presidential election; George W. Bush named president - 2000
3. Earthquake hit Northern Yemen; 2,000 die - 1982
4. Avalanche killed 10,000 Austrian and Italian troops in 24 hours in Tyrol - 1916
5. The last human landing on the Moon occurred - 1972
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