Dancing in streets of Baghdad
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Hundreds of Iraqis take to the streets of Baghdad to celebrate Saddam's capture on Sunday.
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President Bush speaks about the capture.
Major Gen. Raymond Odierno describes the capture.
Adnan Pachachi speaks for the Iraqi Governing Council.
Lt. Gen. Sanchez on Operation 'Red Dawn.'
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SPECIAL REPORT
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- When videotape of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was shown at a coalition news conference Sunday, several Iraqi journalists jumped to their feet, waved their arms and shouted "Death to Saddam!" in Arabic.
Iraqi officials hailed the news and promised to bring Saddam before a special war crimes court.
Shortly after word leaked out about the capture, hundreds of Iraqis flooded the streets of Baghdad, firing guns into the air, singing, dancing and throwing candy into the air -- celebrating the apparent capture of the man who had ruled their lives with terror and repression for more than three decades. (Saddam profile)
"I'm very happy for the Iraqi people. Life is going to be safer now," 35-year-old Yehya Hassan, a resident of Baghdad, told The Associated Press. "Now we can start a new beginning."
Earlier in the day, rumors of the capture sent people streaming into the streets of Kirkuk, a northern Iraqi city, firing guns in the air in celebration.
"We are celebrating like it's a wedding," Kirkuk resident Mustapha Sheriff told AP. "We are finally rid of that criminal."
"This is the joy of a lifetime," said Ali Al-Bashiri, another resident. "I am speaking on behalf of all the people that suffered under his rule."
Despite the celebration throughout Baghdad, many residents were skeptical. "I heard the news, but I'll believe it when I see it," said Mohaned al-Hasaji, 33.
In Tikrit -- Saddam's ancestral home town and a base of loyality to him -- the streets were quiet.
Iraqi Governing Council overjoyed
Members of the Iraqi Governing Council were overjoyed.
"I am overwhelmed with happiness and congratulate the Iraqi people," said Adnan Pachachi, a member of the council.
Ahmad Chalabi, head of the Iraqi National Congress, issued a formal statement, promising to bring the former dictator to justice.
"The capture of the former dictator Saddam Hussein is a momentous event for all Iraqis," the statement said. "Saddam will face justice for his crimes against the Iraqi people in an Iraqi court.
"The charges will include crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. It is vital for the Iraqi people to see justice done.
"Only then can our country begin the process of healing and reconciliation that will ensure a peaceful and democratic future for all Iraqis."
Hamid Ali Alkifaey was even more effusive.
"DNA tests were taken this morning and they have confirmed this is Saddam Hussein and his beard was shaven and it is Saddam Hussein who is now under arrest," said Alkifaey.
"I would like to congratulate the Iraqi people, the American people, the people of the world that this terrorist, Saddam Hussein the biggest terrorist on earth has been arrested, and he's behind bars.
"And he will be tried before a special court in Iraq soon, and a new beginning in Iraq with his arrest, the Iraqi people will begin a new life, and, hopefully, they will have a democratic and pluralistic system and no more mass graves, no more Saddam Hussein, and no more terrorism."
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
