TIKRIT (Iraq), Nov 1: US commanders on Tuesday moved out of a complex of palaces that once belonged to ousted president Saddam Hussein, a site Iraqi officials hope to turn into a tourist destination.

The complex, which overlooks the Tigris River, was built just outside Saddam’s hometown of Tikrit soon after the end of the 1989-1990 First Gulf War.

It served as headquarters to the 42nd Infantry Division, responsible for military operations in north-central Iraq.

Their replacement, the 101st Airborne Division, will be staying at a former Iraqi air base a few kilometres up the road.

Local Iraqi officials will take control of the site at the end of the month.

“This place is the symbol of how one man spent Iraq’s wealth,” said Major-General Joseph Taluto, the outgoing US regional commander. “Now is the time to return it to the people,” he added.—AFP