"The fourth war plan has failed once again because of Iraqi resistance now they are trying to write yet another war plan. Clearly, the American war planners have once again misjudged the determination of the Iraqi forces."
Posted on 04/05/2003 3:07:14 PM PST by LdSentinal
The commander of the US-led air campaign in Iraq says Republican Guard units outside the capital Baghdad are "dead", following intense bombardment.
"The Iraqi military as an organised defence in large combat formations doesn't really exist anymore," Lieutenant-General Michael Moseley told Pentagon reporters.
General Moseley also announced that coalition aircraft had begun a 24-hour patrol operation over Baghdad to be able to respond to needs of troops on the ground.
The announcement came after US forces - backed by tanks and armoured vehicles - made their first incursion into the Iraqi capital.
They fought skirmishes with Iraq's elite Special Republican Guard as they went up to the Tigris river from the southern outskirts of the city before moving west towards the airport.
US Major-General Victor Renuart said the intention was to indicate to the Iraqi leader that coalition forces could move in and out of Baghdad whenever they wished.
Pentagon officials added that the troops also wanted to test the Iraqi response - and other operations targeting more specific objectives and points of resistance are likely.
Iraqi officials denied a raid had taken place but for the first time since the war began, Iraqi tanks and heavy armour have been deployed in the centre of the capital.
President Saddam Hussein has urged the Iraqi army and people to step up their attacks on US and UK forces, according to a statement read out on state television.
Shortly after night fell, there was a big explosion in the city centre next to Palestine hotel where many journalists covering the war are based.
Reporters said Iraqi tanks and troops were blocking main roads into the capital and militia fighters dressed in black are helping to man machine gun positions.
As Saddam Fedayeen irregulars drive through the city, firing their guns in the air, there is no doubt that the regime remains in control of Baghdad, says our correspondent there, Andrew Gilligan, whose movements are restricted.
In other military developments:
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Speaking from his headquarters in Saudi Arabia, General Moseley said coalition air strikes on Baghdad had begun to wane.
There were still Republican Guard soldiers around - "we haven't killed all of them but the ones that are still around are walking with a bit of a limp," the general said.
"The equipment is there and some of the people are there, but as far as corps and division strength, bringing to bear that combat power on the coalition, it's not the same as it was a couple of weeks ago," he said.
The air chief said US forces flew a Predator reconnaissance drone over Baghdad for 12 hours on Friday - indicating Baghdad's air defences had crumbled.
In a new statement on Saturday, President Saddam Hussein called on Iraqis to "raise the level of your attacks" against coalition forces which, whilst focused on Baghdad, were weakening elsewhere.
However, correspondents say the message - read out on television by the information minister - will further fuel speculation about the Iraqi leader.
The Iraqi leader is believed to use doubles for security reasons.
In other developments:
Or making themselves at home in the nearest foxhole...
"The fourth war plan has failed once again because of Iraqi resistance now they are trying to write yet another war plan. Clearly, the American war planners have once again misjudged the determination of the Iraqi forces."
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