Crossing the Red Zone
Wed, Apr 2, 2003 at 3:58:30 am PST
US forces have crossed the “Red Zone” around Baghdad for the final push into the city. If the Iraqis are foolish enough to use chem/bio weapons, this is the most dangerous time.
Army's 3rd Infantry Division and the First Marine Expeditionary Force both reported breakthroughs as some units entered the so-called "red zone" within 50 miles of Baghdad. U.S. officials say Iraqi resistance will be most tenacious in this zone and have warned of the possible use of chemical weapons.
In an attack launched at midnight, 3rd Infantry units surged past the strategic city of Karbala, targeting an estimated 2,000 paramilitary fighters. Karbala, which sits on the main approach to Baghdad from the southwest, was encircled and hit by night-long bombardment from U.S. artillery and warplanes.
To the east, thousands of Marines were moving against the city of Kut after capturing an important bridge over the Tigris River. The fall of Kut would open up a key highway approach to Baghdad from the southeast.
The Republican Guard's Medina Division around Karbala and its Baghdad Division around Kut are among the main military forces in the way of an American advance on Baghdad. U.S. defense officials say recent airstrikes and artillery barrages have reduced the strength of both divisions by more than 50 percent.
"We are aware of where the Republican Guard was positioned; we have engaged them and are into their area," said a U.S. Central Command spokesman, Navy Capt. Frank Thorp. "The battle is being waged and we are doing well."
