Capture of Saddam Hussein: December 14, 2003

On December 14, 2003, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was captured by United States forces following a lengthy manhunt after his regime was toppled earlier that year. This marked a pivotal moment in the post-invasion Iraq War era.

Operation Red Dawn

The operation to capture Saddam Hussein was codenamed “Operation Red Dawn” and was carried out by the 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army along with Task Force 121, an elite Special Operations unit. The mission was executed near the town of ad-Dawr, south of Tikrit, Saddam’s hometown in northern Iraq.

The Hunt Leading to the Capture

Saddam Hussein’s capture came after months of intelligence gathering, which varied in reliability as his whereabouts had remained elusive since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003. Following a variety of leads, U.S. forces zeroed in on two possible locations suspected to be hiding spots, designated “Wolverine 1” and “Wolverine 2.”

Discovery and Capture

Saddam Hussein was found at approximately 8:30 PM local time, hiding in a “spider hole”—a small underground bunker on a farm in ad-Dawr. The crude hiding place was camouflaged with dirt and debris. He was armed but did not resist capture. Upon discovery, Saddam reportedly said, “I am Saddam Hussein, I am the president of Iraq, and I want to negotiate.” His appearance was significantly altered from his previous public persona, being disheveled and with an unkempt beard.

Aftermath and Significance

Saddam’s capture was a significant turning point in the Iraq conflict, symbolizing the closure of a chapter in Iraqi history that had been marked by his authoritarian rule. Politically, it provided a morale boost to coalition forces and reinforced the U.S. administration’s message of success in their policy to establish a new governmental order in Iraq.

Following his capture, Saddam Hussein was held by U.S. forces until his trial by an Iraqi tribunal. He was eventually executed on December 30, 2006, after being found guilty of crimes against humanity.

Broader Implications

The capture did not, however, bring an immediate end to the insurgency in Iraq, and violence continued as various groups contested for power and influence in the power vacuum left by Saddam’s regime. The event remains a critical moment in understanding the complexities and consequences of the Iraq War, U.S. foreign policy, and the geopolitics of the region during the early 21st century.