Pentagon-AP — Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is hailing the capture of Saddam Hussein as momentous for the Iraqi people.

In a written statement, Rumsfeld says the Iraqi people now have been liberated in spirit as well as fact. Rumsfeld says many Iraqis now can dare to believe that the era of Saddam’s brutal dictatorship is over.

The defense secretary notes the capture was the result of close coordination of intelligence and rapid military action. Rumsfeld says it reflects the hard work, courage and determination of U-S and coalition forces.

Members of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division and special forces conducted the raid near Saddam’s hometown of Tikrit (tih-KREET’).

But Rumsfeld notes praise also should go to all the U-S and coalition forces who have given their lives to make the moment of capture possible.

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