Saddam Hussein dead
U.S. officials: "All is not over, Iraqi generals declare a coup and take over army"
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The Iraqi President made a last-ditch effort on live television. Minutes later, soldiers loyal to the rebelling generals stormed the palace.
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Despite the absence of Saddam Hussein, the war will go on.
While it is unclear at this point whether Saddam Hussein was killed in a coup or committed suicide, the Iraqi dictator is dead. Shortly after 10PM in Baghdad, Hussein's guards noticed an onslaught of Iraqi troops towards the palace Saddam was taking refuge. Fearing the worst, the Iraqi President took to the airwaves in a frantic last-minute effort to secure his power. Five minutes into the speech, the Iraqi audience was greeted by static as the rebel troops cut the broadcast.
Television has not been online ever since then and communication is by the radio. It is unclear at this point who is or who are in command but sources have ruled out Saddam's two sons as they have also been found dead.
An Iraqi colonel announced the coup over the radio and said that the war against the "infidel aggressors" will go on. The Iraqi official also warned that defectors supporting the US will be shot on the spot.
The Pentagon plans to make no changes to its strategy on the now imminent Iraqi invasion. A senior spokesman also said that US forces are now more ready than ever and are only waiting for the President's order.
CNN Correspondents Ryan Chilcote, John King and Barbara Starr contributed to this report. For latest developments, see CNN.com's Iraq Tracker.
