US officials close to the Iraqi High Tribunal trying Saddam on charges related to various alleged atrocities committed during his 24-year rein told AFP that Kuwaiti officials had filed a formal complaint with prosecutors.

In the Kuwaiti complaint, filed earlier this year, Saddam stands accused of "illegally invading the country, killing and torturing its people, destroying its oil wells and other infrastructure."

"The complaints have been filed and the court has started an investigation," an American legal expert said, briefing AFP on condition of anonymity because he is not permitted to speak on behalf of the Iraqi body he is advising.