Armored divisions continue battling their way through the streets of Baghdad, driving towards the heart of the city. Saddam Hussein's main presidential palace is now under coalition occupation, the images broadcast around the world. Tanks are also rolling through Baghdad's main parade grounds, and a 40-foot statue of Saddam Hussein was blown up.
Incredibly, Iraqi government mouthpieces continue insisting they are inflicting heavy casualties on U.S. forces, and that no sign of occupation can be seen.
The fighting is not without allied losses, to be sure: an Iraqi missile strike targeting a U.S. Army tactical center south of Baghdad killed two soldiers, two journalists, and wounded 15 others.
Even further to the south in Basra, British officials claim the body of Saddam Hussein's cousin, "Chemical Ali," has been found in his home after being hit with two laser-guided missiles.
Back closer to the capital, the first U.S. cargo plane has landed at Baghdad International Airport, symbolically significant for an airfield that will become an important staging area and supply line center.
An Iraqi man pushes a cart loaded with his children past a U.S. military check point in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq, on Monday, April 7, 2003. (Associated Press)
The Other Side - Analysis, angles and opinions on the Web
How Baghdad's jet set lived, Toronto Star - An inside peek at Baghdad International Airport's opulent VIP lounges.
How the US plans to take control of Baghdad, Christian Science Monitor - An exploration of urban warfare throughout history, outlining two basic methods of attacking a city.
The Emperor's new clothes, Rediff.com (India) - This commentator calls the allied propaganda as he sees it.
Posted by uswarblog
at 11:06 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 7 April 2003 11:08 AM EDT
