US forces take custody of Iraq's 'Dr Germ'

US forces have taken the Iraqi woman scientist dubbed "Dr Germ" into custody, seizing another figure accused of extensive involvement…

US forces have taken the Iraqi woman scientist dubbed "Dr Germ" into custody, seizing another figure accused of extensive involvement in developing germ warfare capability under President Saddam Hussein, a defence official said today.

The official said Ms Rihab Taha was taken into custody over the weekend.

Chief UN weapons inspector Dr Hans Blix said last month that Ms Taha and her husband, Rashid, would be among "the most interesting persons" for the Americans to question.

The Bush administration, which bitterly disagreed with Dr Blix over whether Iraq has chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, has not invited UN inspectors to take part in a continuing US-led hunt for weapons.

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Saddam's alleged arsenal was cited by coalition leaders as one of the main reasons for going to war against Iraq.

Agencies