"Consistent with work we do in other parts of the world, Afghanistan for example, a rewards programme has been established for information leading to the capture of key leaders" of the Baghdad regime, Brigadier General Vincent Brooks said.

The US Defense Department on Friday released pictures of the 52 most wanted Iraqi leaders in the form of playing cards to be distributed throughout Iraq.

"But not only personalities, also information regarding weapons of mass destruction programmes" will be rewarded, Brooks added.

"There may be information regarding locations of weapons caches, any number of things may be considered."

Asked how much cash was on offer, Broooks replied that "the price tags vary, we think it's appropriate prices."

Hoping Iraqis will help track down regime leaders, US troops are also to put the wanted list published Friday on posters and handbills.

And to make sure US-led forces in Iraq will recognize them, the faces of the 52 most-wanted Iraqis appear on decks of cards that also have a brief description of their occupations.

SPACE.WIRE