Sultan, who was deputy chief in the tribal affairs office, figures in 40th position in a US list of the 55 most-wanted officials of the ousted regime.

Brooks said Sultan may be able to provide insights into the inner workings of the regime.

The Iraqi National Congress, which has long opposed Saddam, said earlier Sultan had been persuaded to surrender to the group, which then handed him over to the Americans.

US-led forces now hold eight of the Iraqis who figure on the wanted list.

SPACE.WIRE