Saddam Hussein Executed by Hanging in Iraq

The U.S. military and FOX News have not yet confirmed that the execution has taken place. Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya wire services and U.S.-backed TV station Al Hurrah reported that he was killed between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time.

The Iraqi deputy foreign minister confirmed the news to BBC, Reuters news agency reported.

The man dubbed the Butcher of Baghdad was convicted of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shiite men and young boys after their failed assassination attempt in 1982 in the village of Dujail.

Celebrations were seen breaking out in Sadr City, a predominantly Shiite area in Baghdad.