Saddam Hussein's second wife, Samira Shahbandar, who has been described by those who know Saddam as being the closest to him of his four wives, has provided the Americans with information about the location of her husband's hide-out, sources told DPA agency.
Earlier in the day the leading London daily Sunday Times reported that the Iraqi president is constantly in touch with his second wife and the only surviving son, currently living in Lebanon.
In the interview Samira Shahbandar said her husband calls or writes to them at least once a week.
"If he cannot say something in detail on the telephone, I know I will receive a letter in two to three days giving me an explanation," she said.