BAGHDAD, July 12 (UPI) -- The United States is intensifying the search in Iraq for deposed leader Saddam Hussein in his home province near Baghdad.
The Washington Post reported that the surge of efforts in recent weeks was spurred by reports from local informants and intercepted telephone conversations.
The Post said some U.S. officials say they believe the former president and his henchmen might be filtering back to Saddam's home province of Salahuddin, northwest of Baghdad, for protection under an umbrella of tribal and family connections.
Tips had multiplied after Washington offered $25 million for information that would lead to Saddam's capture or confirmation of his death.
In addition to informants, every raid provides some new piece of evidence, including photos, satellite telephone numbers and fake identity cards, officials said.
