Sky News showed several US soldiers strolling through the compound and relaxing, bare-headed, in the compound's grounds on the banks of the Tigris river.

One shot showed an ornate palace bathroom with gold-plated taps, a finely-worked ceiling, blue stained-glass windows, decorated with intricate flowery or calligraphy motifs, and an elaborately carved door.

Other footage from the television channel showed the compound's entrance from above, with a monumental spiral staircase. A soldier is seen walking between two huge pillars under a chandelier as he leaves the compound.

US forces raided Saddam's main presidential compound on Monday, turning Baghdad into a battlefield, although Iraqi officials claimed they were still in control.

An AFP photographer saw two US Bradley armoured transport vehicles, two Abrams tanks and about 10 Marines next to the entrance of the compound, which like most of Baghdad's administrative buildings stands on the west bank of the Tigris river.

SPACE.WIRE