U.S. commanders say that the Iraqi leadership has lost control over most of Baghdad and other cities in Iraq. More than a hundred U.S. tanks and armored vehicles advanced early today to the center of Baghdad, capturing Saddam Hussein's main palace and other major government buildings in Iraq. Iraqi forces protected the area around the famous Al-Rashid Hotel and launched missiles at U.S. forces advancing on several fronts. Intense fighting has also occurred near Baghdad International Airport, which is held by U.S. forces. U.S. military officials stated that this armored assault aimed to break the Iraqi resistance and eliminate their leadership capabilities. However, despite the broadcast of television images showing U.S. forces' advancements, the Iraqi information minister continued to deny the presence of U.S. troops in the Iraqi capital. Meanwhile, in southern Iraq, British forces have tightened their grip on the second-largest city in Iraq, Basra, after two weeks of siege. Since the onset of the comprehensive British attacks, the people of Basra have engaged in looting banks, hotels, and government offices. In other southern regions of Iraq, U.S. forces, despite fierce resistance from Saddam's troops, have taken control of the center of Karbala and are attempting to secure the city of Hilla.
Iraqi Leadership Has Lost Control Over Most of Baghdad and Other Cities - 2003-04-07
U.S. forces have advanced into Baghdad, capturing key government buildings and asserting control over the city, while Iraqi leadership denies their presence. In southern Iraq, British forces have tightened control over Basra amidst widespread looting. This situation marks a significant shift in power dynamics in Iraq during the early stages of the invasion.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
U.S. forces have advanced into Baghdad, capturing key government buildings and asserting control over the city, while Iraqi leadership denies their presence. In southern Iraq, British forces have tightened control over Basra amidst widespread looting.
- U.S. tanks and armored vehicles captured Saddam Hussein's main palace and other government buildings in Baghdad.
- Intense fighting occurred near Baghdad International Airport, with Iraqi forces launching missiles at advancing U.S. troops.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Iraq War was initiated by the U.S. and its allies under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction and toppling Saddam Hussein's regime, which had been a longstanding adversary of Iran.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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