According to reports, U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq, which had their advance towards Baghdad slowed by a severe sandstorm over the past two days, are once again moving towards the Iraqi capital. While battles are ongoing in Najaf, Nasiriyah, and Samawah, the main columns of coalition forces heading to Baghdad were targeted by new Iraqi attacks today. However, journalists accompanying these units report that coalition soldiers are continuing their advance with air support that was either non-existent or severely limited during the blinding sandstorm. According to the latest reports, a column of coalition forces has reached 80 kilometers south of Baghdad, and a separate column of U.S. Marines is also located 225 kilometers southeast of the Iraqi capital. Meanwhile, Sultan Hashim Ahmed, Iraq's Defense Minister, states that he expects U.S.-led forces to besiege Baghdad within the next five to ten days. Nevertheless, he warned that if coalition soldiers attempt to enter the Iraqi capital, they will face fierce street fighting. American commandos took control of an airport in northern Iraq last night, opening a new front in the war against Saddam Hussein's regime. A spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command indicated that the explosion yesterday in a Baghdad market, which left fourteen dead and was blamed by Iraqi officials on a coalition missile strike, may have been caused by a stray Iraqi missile hitting the area.
Coalition Forces Intensify Attacks as Weather Improves - 2003-03-27
U.S.-led coalition forces are resuming their advance towards Baghdad after a sandstorm delay, with significant battles ongoing in several cities. Iraqi Defense Minister Sultan Hashim Ahmed anticipates that coalition forces will besiege Baghdad soon, but warns of potential fierce street fighting. This escalation is critical as it marks a pivotal moment in the military campaign against Saddam Hussein's regime.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
U.S.-led coalition forces have resumed their advance toward Baghdad after a sandstorm delay, facing ongoing resistance from Iraqi forces. Significant battles are occurring in various cities, with coalition forces making strategic gains.
- Coalition forces are now 80 kilometers south of Baghdad and have taken control of an airport in northern Iraq.
- Iraqi Defense Minister Sultan Hashim Ahmed warns of fierce street fighting if coalition forces attempt to enter Baghdad.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 aimed to dismantle Saddam Hussein's regime, which was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction and supporting terrorism. This conflict has significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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