Saddam Hussein’s former right-hand man Tariq Aziz dies aged 79

Jailed former Iraqi foreign minister Tariq Aziz, who served in Saddam Hussein’s government, has died, officials say. Aziz, who was the international face of the Iraqi regime for many years, died in hospital after suffering from poor health in jail. He was 79 years old. The official did not specify what Aziz died from, but it was known that he was suffering from heart and respiratory problems, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Tareq Aziz died in Hussein Teaching Hospital in the city of Nasiriyah where he was brought when his health condition worsened.

Adel Abdulhussein al-Dakhili, deputy governor of Dhi Qar province

Aziz was sentenced to death in 2010, after being found guilty of  "deliberate murder and crimes against humanity" in relation to a crackdown on religious parties in the 1980s. He served as both foreign minister and deputy prime minister, and was a close advisor to ousted president Saddam Hussein. As Saddam’s principal spokesman, Aziz become an internationally recognised figure. But in March 2003, he turned himself over to American custody just months after the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Middle East Tariq Aziz