BAGHDAD, Iraq —  Saddam Hussein, among the world’s most brutal dictators, struggled briefly after American military guards handed him over to Iraqi executioners. But as his final moments approached, he grew calm. Dressed in a black coat and trousers, he clutched a Koran as he was led to the gallows, and in one final moment of defiance, refused to have a hood pulled over his head.• [1] Purported Video of Saddam’s Hanging in Entirety SurfacesAfter a quarter-century of remorseless brutality that killed countless thousands and led Iraq into disastrous wars against the United States and Iran, Saddam was executed before sunrise Saturday.

Within hours of his death, at least 68 Iraqis died in bombings. In northwest Baghdad, two parked cars exploded killing 37 civilians and wounding 76. Another 31 people died and 58 were hurt south of the capital.

Media outlets reported Saturday that Saddam would be buried near his hometown.