Is Iraq About To Capture The "King Of Clubs'?

Troops were searching for Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, head of Saddam’s now-outlawed Baath party, in Dour on Thursday. (Reuters)

Iraqi Troops Close In On Saddam Ally Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri -- The Guardian

Head of now outlawed Ba'ath party is most senior member of Saddam Hussein's inner circle still on the run

Iraqi special forces are closing in on the most senior member of Saddam Hussein's inner circle still on the run, security sources have said.

Troops backed by helicopters are searching for Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, head of Saddam's now outlawed Ba'ath party, in villages around the former ruler's home town of Tikrit.

Capturing the most prominent Ba'ath leader would be a boost for the Shia prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, before provincial elections that will measure his political muscle for the 2014 parliamentary ballot.

"We have solid information that he is in Dour since last night. Now we have closed the area, announced a curfew and are searching house by house," said a senior security officer involved in the operation.

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Update: Iraqi forces hunt Saddam's former deputy. -- Reuters

My Comment: Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri has been on the run for almost 10 years .... it will be a victory for the Iraqi government if he is finally captured.