US Troops First Encounter Iraqi Republican Guards [50 mi. out at 'Gateway to Baghdad']

DEBKAfile Security Newletter 'Iraq War Diary' ^ | March 24, 2003 | Gioria Shamis 'Economist Magazine' Reporter

[ewing]

The first frontal engagements between united States troops marching on Baghdad and Saddam Husseins Elite Special Republican Guards began near Al Amarah, a small town on the Tigris River, and at al Kut, some 100 miles upriver to the Northwest.

Al Amarah is geographically the southern gateway to Baghdad.

The United States led column driving towards Baghdad along the easternmost route up the Tigris River led by 1st and 2nd Marine Divisons.

Sunday, they bypassed Basra, leaving behind the 7th British Division to assert control over Iraq's second largest city and dashed north towards Al Amarah.

Waiting for them were three Iraq divisions, the 10th, the 11th, and the 4th Corps, which is the Special Republican Guards Nida Armoured Division.

By the end of the day, the Marines and the Nida tank force had entered their first clash of arms in the series to come. (Three additional United States columns are also now pusing towards Baghdad)

[shadeaud]

It appears to me that the only ones against President Bush are hillarys goon squad ...I mean A.N.S.W.E.R and some of the human waste that were on stage last night for the silly awards show.

[browardchad]

I was thinking the same thing, a sandstorm helps prevent the counterattacks and our guys probably could use some rest and some time to get logistics in good shape.

One of FNC's embeds confirms that. He said this was the first chance they've had to rest and refuel in many hours -- although they are on high alert for sniper fire even as they do so.

[tomahawk]

Anyone hearing or reading anything on how our Global Hawks, Predators, and JStars are working? These allow us to see the enemy in depth, giving us a huge advantage in deciding where to engage and with what, also where to maneuver.

[delapaz]

I think first Cav is already engaged, because the video I saw of the downed helicopter this morning had what I believe is First Cav insignia (yellow shield, black horse)

[gitmogrunt]

Where are the AC-130 Gunships?

If they are not in this war , why not?

[Libertarianize the GOP]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[tomahawk]

I saw that logo, too.

It was 1st Cavalry's.

[Air Force Born]

I heard Sunday that they were coming up behind the 3rd ID.
I dont think the reporters remembered that they are Air Assault. They could be in Mosul by now. All the local (TN) stuff is talking about the renegade sergeant.

[finnman69]

The Iraqis are about to lose a lot of tanks.

[ewing]

Seems to be a media blackout in Jordan..

[js1138]

Actually, I would not be at all surprised if our main force from Kuwait sweeps all the way to the NORTH of Baghdad...

I would not be surprised if we don't learn what they did until days or weeks after they did it.

[TADSLOS]

Sandstorms have stopped US Forces for now about 60 miles from Baghdad..

Good time for an operational pause and let American airpower do some of the heavy lifting before moving forward.

[ewing]

They are coming..dont worry

[demlosers]

By my calculations, the 4th ID's stuff should be arriving at Kuwaiti ports within hours.

[ewing]

According to some of the chatter on this thread it appears that the Special Republican Guards lost about 70 tanks before the sandstorm...

[TADSLOS]

Where oh where is the 101st?

I'm sure that's a question that's driving the Iraqis nuts on a daily basis. We'll see...

[Wright is right!]

"Seems to be a media blackout in Jordan.."

There's also the Great Iraqi Casualties Blackout, where the only casualties that exist are either Americans or starving innocent Iraqi civilians. The nets are avoiding mention of all the Iraqi casualties AND the reduction to rubble of their armaments.

Michael;

[michaelt]

I heard a report over the weekend that said that the part of the 101st that is in convoy was going to go set up a forward refueling and rearming point. Can't remember which channel I saw that on.

I did think it was interesting that troops are moving in open trucks - there are forces that are clearly not mechanized that are part of the push to Baghdad.

Part of the 101st is still in Kuwait. One of the embedded reporters is with them (I can't remember which one).

So I think those guys will get in their copters and go to the base set up by the other guys. And then surprise the Iraqis.