In the Early Hours of the Evening, Loud Explosions Were Heard Over Baghdad - 2003-03-20

In the early hours of the evening, loud explosions were heard over Baghdad, and Iraq's anti-aircraft batteries fired continuously. Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, was heavily bombarded tonight, while simultaneously, U.S. artillery in Kuwait shelled southern Iraq. Television images from the Iraqi capital showed massive explosions and the sound of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Meanwhile, according to eyewitnesses in northern Kuwait, U.S. Army artillery units have targeted positions in southern Iraq. Reports indicate that soldiers stationed in the area have been ordered to prepare for battle. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld told reporters in Washington today that only a few days remain in the regime of Saddam Hussein. Mr. Rumsfeld stated that U.S. officials are investigating reports that Iraq may have set fire to several oil wells in the south of the country. According to media reports, about four oil wells near the city of Basra in southern Iraq have caught fire, but no detailed information is available. Mr. Rumsfeld said today at the Pentagon that U.S. officials are assessing the damage caused by the initial U.S. airstrikes on Iraq. These strikes targeted high-ranking Iraqi leaders, including possibly Saddam Hussein himself.