On this day, December the 13th, in the year of 2003, Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq who went into hiding to invade capture from American, British, and other allied forces, was captured.

Under the rule of Saddam Hussein, Iraq saw his regime do such things as invading its neighbors, drawing the ire and a relation invasion from America and its allies, leading to unhealthy relations with a majority of nations.

In March of 2003, in a fresh post September 11th world, the U.S. and allies accused Iraq of supporting terrorist organizations and harboring “weapons of mass destruction”, leading to an invasion of the nation, this time with the intent to capture and overthrow Hussein.

To avoid this fate, Hussein fled into hiding in a small Iraqi city where he hid out in a one room building. Outside of the shack was a hidden underground “bunker”, big enough to fit only one person. After a member of Hussiens security force relieved to U.S. forces of the location of his hideout, they went to it, unable to find him.

But after hearing a noise, they found his underground hideout, with a disheveled Hussien surrendering himself. To see a video recounting the capture, please see the CBS YouTube video “12/17/03: Saddam’s Last Stand”.

Hussein’s trial was held in Iraq, adjourned by the newly formed Iraqi government, set in place by the U.S. to his regime. He was found guilty of crimes against humanity and hung as punishment in a trial riddled with outbursts from the former leader.

Weapons of mass destruction were never found in Iraq and it is hypothesized today to have been an excuse to invade Iraq (Washington Post) (NATO) (History) (Britannica) (PBS).

To read more daily facts and tidbits, see the Barron Perspectives “On this Day Archives” webpage.