Free Republic

<p>BAGHDAD, Iraq — Senior defense officials confirmed Saturday that former Iraqi Minister of Interior Mahmud al-Ahmad (search), listed as number 29 on the coalition's "Iraqi Top 55" most-wanted list, was in the custody of coalition forces.</p> <p>Al-Ahmad was next in line to succeed Saddam Hussein (search), following deaths of the deposed leader's sons, Uday and Qusay. Officials said Al-Ahmad surrendered in Baghdad on Friday. The capture of the once-elusive henchman brought the number of network operatives now either dead or being held by the U.S. military to 37.</p>

U.S. Says Hold Former Iraqi Interior MinisterSat August 9, 2003 10:41 AM ET BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Saturday Saddam Hussein's interior minister, number 29 on its list of most wanted of 55, was in its custody. "Mahmoud Diyab al-Ahmed, number 29 on the coalition's list of most wanted government officials, is now under custody of coalition forces," Central Command said in a statement. "The former Iraqi Minister of Interior surrendered to coalition forces yesterday." The U.S. military had already announced his capture in July, but it was not immediately clear whether this was the same person....