The former Iraqi dictator has been held at Camp Cropper since his arrest.

While Iraqi and U.S. officials had apparently cleared the legal path for Saddam's hanging, the timing remained unclear, The New York Times said. The newspaper said officials were still working out last-minute details like the disposal of his body, which must be buried according to Islamic law.

Saddam is expected to be executed with two co-defendants, including a half-brother, Barzan al-Tikriti. The site of the execution and the exact time were not expected to be announced in advance.

Instead, officials are expected to videotape the executions.