[section9]

Wasn't it Patton who asked: "Where do we find such men?".

I'm thinking the same thing.

Now I'm wondering whether the bridges over the Euphrates have been siezed by airborne troops.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[kcvl]

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 10:01PM EST

'Disarmament of Iraqi regime has begun'


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The United States launched war against Iraq on Wednesday. "The opening stages of the disarmament of the Iraqi regime have begun," White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said. The president will speak at 10:15 p.m.
Anti-aircraft fire and explosions were heard across Baghdad after air raid sirens went off in the capital at dawn Thursday.

Moments after the explosions began, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters in Washington, "The opening stages of the disarmament of the Iraqi regime have begun."

No airplanes were visible in the skies over Baghdad as the air raid sirens blared. Yellow and white tracers from anti-aircraft fire were seen in the sky, and a number of strong explosions went off in the city.

One explosion raised a ball of fire toward the southern part of the capital.

With the sun just rising, a handful of cars were speeding through the streets, but no pedestrians were out.

The military action began less than two hours after the clock ran out on a deadline set by President Bush for Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq or face war. The 48-hour deadline, set Monday after attempts at a diplomatic solution failed, ended at 8 p.m. Wednesday EST and 4 a.m. Baghdad time.

The war was described as "a vital part of the international war on terrorism" in a formal notice sent to Congress by Bush.

Anti-aircraft fire and explosions were heard across Baghdad after air raid sirens went off in the capital at dawn Thursday