Comical Ali Captured

Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, the Iraqi "disinformation minister" who became world renowned for his ridiculously inaccurate news briefings in Iraq soon before coalition troops reached Baghdad, was captured at a Baghdad roadblock, London's Daily Mirror reported Wednesday.

The Washington Times also reported that the Iraqi official, also known as "Comical Ali," was detained early Monday evening near the home of a relative.

But U.S. Central Command has not yet confirmed that Al-Sahaf is -- or is not -- in custody. A public affairs officer noted that Al-Sahaf is not on the U.S. military's most-wanted list and was "never being pursued."

Fox News on Wednesday asked Lt. Gen. John Abizaid about this report and he said he had not heard about it. Abizaid has been picked to replace Gen. Tommy Franks as Central Command chief.

Al-Sahaf, an official obviously fiercely loyal to Saddam Hussein, once claimed "there is no presence of the American columns in the city of Baghdad" as U.S. forces were moving in.

There were Iranian news reports soon after the war began that Al-Sahaf was dead, but other media said he was alive and holed up in his house, using his sons as bodyguards.

The Times reported that a coalition force who confirmed the arrest said Al-Sahaf "has some serious talking to do this time."

As Al-Sahaf drove his Toyota Land Cruiser toward his favorite aunt's house Monday, American Humvees blocked his path and said, "the coalition wants you," the Times reported. Witnesses said he was accompanied into the house, where he collected a book, toothbrush and razor before being taken away in a white Land Cruiser.

The jokes will fly but Comical Ali was a high ranking official... I wonder how much of this is a growing worry and desparation over not finding any Weapons of Mass Destruction.