Saddam Hussein Spent His Days in Underground Hideouts - 2003-12-16

Saddam Hussein, after years of living in luxurious palaces, spent his days in cramped, dark underground hideouts filled with little more than leftover food and garbage after being ousted from the presidency by American forces and before his capture. American soldiers reported on Monday that they were very surprised by the simplicity of the two-room mud hole located near Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's birthplace. Inside the hideout, soldiers found only tattered and dirty clothing scattered around, new clothes still in their untouched packaging, and a few cleaning supplies. Additionally, scattered rice grains and pieces of bread were found, along with unwashed plates piled here and there. Outside the hideout, the yard was filled with garbage, broken metal pieces, and spoiled food. The only luxury item in Saddam Hussein's hideout was a single light bulb and a pipe for ventilation. The entrance to the hideout was covered by layers of cloud-like material and a small door. If Saddam Hussein wanted, he could have seen one of his luxurious marble palaces built across the Tigris River from inside his hideout.