The Operation
Operation Red Dawn was launched after gaining actionable intelligence identifying two likely locations of Saddam's whereabouts codenamed Objective Wolverine 1 and Wolverine 2, near the town of Ad Dwar. The First Brigade Combat team of the 4th ID, in addition to Special Forces from Task Force 121 were assigned the mission to capture or kill Saddam Hussein.
The Forces involved in the operation consisted of approximately 600 soldiers including cavalry, artillery, aviation, engineer and special operations forces. The forces cleared the two objectives but initially did not find the target.
An additional suspicious site was identified and searched. The area was a small, walled, mud hut compound with a metal lean-to structure. Within the structure a "spider hole" entrance, camouflaged with bricks and dirt was located. The hole was about 6-8 feet deep with space allowing an individual to lie down. Saddam Hussein was found hiding at the bottom of the hole. He was captured without resistance. He reportedly stated "I am Saddam Hussein, President of Iraq, and I want to negotiate." as he emerged from the spider hole.
Items confiscated during the raid include two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, $750,000.00 U.S. dollars and one white/orange taxi. Two other individuals who have not been identified were also detained. There were no casualties in the operation.
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