Iraqi opposition sources said they have received information that Saddam and his entourage have escaped Tikrit and headed for the northern city of Mosul. Mosul is said to be one of the few major cities not yet under coalition control.

The sources said they expect Saddam to either make a last stand in Mosul or flee to Syria. Most of Saddam's family is already in Syria.

Correspondents in Iraq reported that 20 Iraqi missiles were found in a warehouse in southern Baghdad. They quoted military sources as identifying the missiles as the Al Samoud, Al Ababil missiles and short-range rockets.

The sources were quoted as saying that the warehouse also contained warheads filled with nerve and mustard gas. One report asserted that Scud-class missiles were also found in the site.

Civilians were reported as having attacked the Fedayeen Saddam militia in Baghdad and Basra. The Fedayeen is regarded as the last cohesive force still fighting the U.S.-led coalition.

British officials said civilians were killing Saddam militia members and police officers in Basra, the second largest city in Iraq. Looting was also reported in the city.