NewsMine — war-on-terror — iraq — 2003-invasion — baghdad-bombing — Viewing Item

Starts tuesday { March 23 2003 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=2430916 http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=2430916 Ground War on Baghdad Seen by Tuesday-UK Source Sun March 23, 2003 06:35 AM ET LONDON (Reuters) - The ground war to capture Baghdad should begin by Tuesday, with no plan for U.S.-British troops to get bogged down fighting in Iraq's second city of Basra, a British defense source said on Sunday. "We're looking toward Monday night, Tuesday for the ground offensive on Baghdad," the source told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "The important thing is not to take Basra but to get through it and get to the north. We won't get into fighting in downtown Basra." The source said thousands of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard forces were dug in around the capital city of Baghdad and that U.S.-British forces expected to encounter fierce resistance. "That will be a tough fight. It will be interesting to see how they play it," the source said. U.S.-British forces would move up to Baghdad and then assess the situation, he said, suggesting Iraqi troops may be softened up with heavy air bombardment before ground forces move in. "I wouldn't be surprised to see a massive barrage from the air," he said. "You are dealing with a different enemy. The Republican Guard are going to put up a proper fight." He said that U.S.-British forces did not plan on getting distracted by firefights on the way to the capital and that it was key to push on and keep supply routes open. "Baghdad is the only one to watch. That is what this is all about. It needs to be looked at as the main focus," he said. After a fierce battle, an armored U.S. column pushed on toward the central city of Najaf and came within 110 miles of the Iraqi capital, a Reuters reporter said.

Baghdad attacks renewed { March 29 2003 } Baghdad sand storm from god { March 26 2003 } Battles create refugee flood { March 27 2003 } Iraq accuses us showing civilain pows { March 26 2003 } Iraq tv bombing inquiry { April 2 2003 } More than 40 explosions Pound baghdad hit iraq tv Prepare to break red line { March 25 2003 } Sandstorm blows over troops { March 25 2003 } Starts tuesday { March 23 2003 } Third infantry stops drive { March 28 2003 } Thunderous explosions rock baghdad { March 27 2003 } Warplanes pound baghdad { April 5 2003 } Files Listed: 13

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