US soldiers have used batons to break up a demonstration in Tikrit protesting against the capture of Saddam Hussein near his hometown, witnesses said.
Chanting "We sacrifice our blood and souls for you Saddam", scores of people gathered outside Tikrit university to denounce Saturday's arrest of Saddam, who was born and captured near the town.
"God is Greatest, America is the enemy of all peoples," they shouted with their fists raised.
Shortly afterwards US soldiers charged the protest, beating and arresting some protesters, the witnesses said. There was no immediate comment from the US military.