| U.S. forces grabbed two "important associates of the former regime" napping in their homes yesterday, seizing documents and photographs they hoped would help the search for Saddam Hussein. About 100 soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division carried out simultaneous raids yesterday afternoon in Saddam's hometown of Tikrit. They captured the men, who were being tracked for days, without many problems — partly because both were napping in the afternoon heat, commanders said. The military did not identify the captives, but Lt. Col. Steve Russell called them "important associates of the former regime." Soldiers seized documents and photographs from the houses, but Col. Russell said it was too soon to say how valuable they were. "I think it does bring us closer [to capturing Saddam]," he said. "We believe the information they may possess will further help destroy the regime." The two men emerged peacefully from the homes, separated by a vacant lot. One was luxurious with modern fittings, the other ramshackle with slit windows. No weapons were found in the homes, the military said. |