WORLD NEWS

April 2, 2003

The Push Towards Baghdad

U.S.-led troops are between 25 and 30 miles away from the Iraqi capital

U.S. soldiers on the ground are moving closer to the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. As of April 2, U.S. and British troops were about 30 miles outside Baghdad, Major General Stanley McChrystal told reporters at the Pentagon.

Along the way to Baghdad, U.S. and British troops defeated two divisions of Iraq's Republican Guard, according to the Pentagon. The Republican Guard is made up of Iraq's best-trained and best-equipped soldiers who are loyal to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Even though some Republican Guard soldiers have surrendered to the U.S., Pentagon officials warn the fight for Baghdad will not be easy. "As much as we are making good progress - and we are - the toughest fighting could lie ahead," Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke said.

American Rescued

On April 1, U.S. Special Operations forces rescued Private First Class Jessica Lynch, who was captured by Iraqi military forces more than one week ago. She was found injured in an Iraqi hospital in Nasiriya. The 19-year-old Lynch is a supply clerk from Fort Bliss, Texas. She is now on her way to Rammstein Air Force Base in Germany to receive medical care. "She's in good spirits and being treated for injuries," Clarke said.

A Message From Hussein?

Also on April 1, Iraq's Information Minister delivered a message from President Saddam Hussein on Iraqi television that said "victory is at hand." The fact that Hussein did not deliver the message himself has many people wondering whether he may be injured or dead. "Who knows where he is now," said Clarke.

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