Iraq War diary

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Daily war summaries:

DAY 26: MONDAY APRIL 14

* US helicopters fire machineguns into Tikrit where large explosions heard, says Reuters eyewitness; al-Jazeera says US Marines control the city

* UK's Straw says Washington and London have no plans to invade Syria but says there is evidence Syria co-operated with Iraq in recent months, urges Damascus to change its attitude

* Lebanon's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric says Shi'ites do not expect dominant role in post-war Iraq

* Iran says it will arrest and put on trial any Iraqi leaders fleeing to its territory

* More than 2,000 Baghdad policemen report back for work; Iraqi police join British troops in Basra to try to restore calm

Quotes

Straw: "There is much evidence of cooperation between the Syrian government and the Saddam regime in recent months...It is very important for Syria to appreciate there is a new reality now the Saddam regime is gone."

EU's Solana on US comments about Syria: "I think it would be better to make constructive statements to see if we can cool down the situation in the region."

Events

* Straw on tour of Gulf states, visiting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

* British Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien in Iran, Syria

* Blair makes statement to British parliament on Iraq

Casualties

* US - 117 killed, 4 missing

* Britain - 30 killed

* Iraqi military - more than 2,320, according to US military. Iraq has given no figures for its military losses

* Iraqi civilians estimates - 1,254 killed, 5,112 wounded

Military Action

NORTHERN IRAQ - Reuters witness says US helicopters fire on Tikrit, four loud explosions heard in distance. Al-Jazeera says Marines control centre of city after fierce battle.

BAGHDAD - US Marines exchange fire with snipers near Palestine hotel for several minutes, capture three men. US troops set up round-the-clock patrols in some quarters.

CENTRAL IRAQ - Aides to Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Ayatollah Sistani, say armed siege of his home has ended and tribal leaders in control of the city.

SOUTHERN IRAQ - US spokesman says British forces have taken over from US 1st Marine Division at Amarah, extending area of British control from Basra.

* * *

DAY 25: SUNDAY APRIL 13

* US says Marines operating near Saddam's hometown Tikrit

* Hundreds of Iraqi police, civil servants respond to US calls to quell anarchy on Baghdad's streets

* Armed groups order Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric to leave Iraq, besiege his home, aide says

* US tanks roll into Kirkuk, reassuring Turkey that Kurds will not run the city

* US says giant northern Kirkuk oilfield could resume production in "a few weeks"

* Marines find six US prisoners of war north of Baghdad, CNN reports

Quotes

Turkish PM Erdogan: "Because Turkey is the sole democratic model in the region, it will have the task of bringing that model to life. It will have a serious role in Iraq's rebuilding."

Kirkuk resident on anarchy in the northern city: "If the Americans are liberating us, let them restore order because this has been as bad as any two days of my life with Saddam."

Events

* UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to fly to Bahrain for tour of Gulf states; will also visit Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

* Turkish Foreign Minister Gul to travel to Syria for talks

* Villepin visits Saudi Arabia; due to meet King Fahd

Casualties

* US - 114 killed, 6 missing

* Britain - 30 killed

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates up to April 3) - 1,254 killed, 5,112 wounded

Military action

BAGHDAD: US troops set up round-the-clock patrols in some quarters to check lawlessness. Sporadic resistance from Saddam loyalists and non-Iraqi fighters; US troops take control of Mansur district, previously a stronghold of non-Iraqi Arab volunteers.

NORTHERN IRAQ: Outskirts of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown and last major target for US-led forces, look deserted, live TV pictures show. US tanks roll into Kirkuk, allaying Turkish fears that Kurds will run the city. US forces in Mosul but anarchy still reigns.

CENTRAL, SOUTHERN IRAQ: US Marines take control of eastern town of Kut, BBC says Shatra controlled by around 300 fighters, originally Iraqi exiles trained by US, says US military source; US-led forces wear down resistance in Qaim.

* * *

DAY 24: SATURDAY APRIL 12

* US sends reinforcements into Iraq; troops push into north Baghdad to attack suspected Iraqi army strongholds

* US plans dusk until dawn curfew to curb armed gangs looting Baghdad; thieves plunder archaeological treasures

* Kurdish leader Talabani says Kurdish fighters will pull out of Kirkuk

* US says force recruited from exiles controls southern town of Shatra

* Iranian rebel group says 18 fighters killed by "Iranian agents" in Iraq

* US military convoy heads into Mosul after Turkey seeks assurances "Peshmerga" will be controlled; Turkey says no immediate need to send troops into Iraq

Quotes

Turkish Foreign Minister Gul: "There is no need at the moment for the Turkish army to enter northern Iraq."

Iraq's UN ambassador Mohammed Aldouri: "When this occupation ends...I will be the first to enter my country as a free country."

Bush: "Syria just needs to know we expect full cooperation and that we strongly urge them not to allow for Baath Party members or Saddam's families or generals on the run to...find safe haven there."

Events

* French Foreign Minister Villepin on Middle East tour to Egypt, Syria, Lebanon

* Anti-war demonstrations due to take place in London, Berlin, Madrid, Istanbul, Paris, Tehran

* Iraq's Umm Qasr port to receive its first merchant ship carrying humanitarian aid

* Putin, Chirac and Schroeder summit ends

* G7 finance ministers meeting ends

Casualties

* US - 107 killed, 10 missing

* Britain - 30 killed

* Iraqi military - More than 2,320, according to US military.

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates up to April 3) - 1,254 killed, 5,112 wounded

Military action

BAGHDAD: Local Shi'ite gunmen battle paramilitaries loyal to Saddam in fierce firefight overnight in northeast Baghdad. Red Cross says medical system all but collapsed due to looting, war damage and fear of anarchy.

NORTHERN IRAQ: US forces, Kurdish guerrillas take Iraq's third city Mosul without a fight. US troops head into town but anarchy still rife, shootouts commonplace. US forces secures oilfields and airport near Kirkuk; Kurdish leader says fighters leaving the city. US says bombers pound positions in Tikrit.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: US sends reinforcements from 30,000-strong 4th Infantry Division into Iraq from Kuwait. Looters rampage through Basra, where British troops kill five men trying to rob a bank. US troops and Iraqis work together to restore order in Nassiriya

* * *

DAY 23: FRIDAY APRIL 11

* Mosul falls to US, Kurdish forces without fight; mob goes on looting rampage and torches central market

* Baghdad collapses into anarchy as armed men roam city, sporadic resistance to US forces

* US says "aggresively attacking" resistance in Tikrit, have secured Kirkuk oil field

* US has assured Turkey Kurdish forces have left Kirkuk, says Turkish govt source

* US issues list of 55 Iraqi leaders to be captured/killed

* Britain says scaling back Iraq troop presence

* Red Cross says doubts any Baghdad hospital still working; aid agencies say looting may hamper humanitarian efforts

Quotes

US Commander Franks on fate of the Iraqi leadership: "They are either dead or running like hell."

US military spokesman after Iraq's 5th Army Corps surrendered in Mosul: "We're in the process of deciding whether they will become EPWs (enemy prisoners of war) or just go home."

Red Cross spokeswoman: "Our great worry is the situation of chaotic insecurity in Baghdad. We don't know how much of the infrastructure and medical services are still functioning."

Events

* French Foreign Minister Villepin visits Egypt, to meet Mubarak

* Putin, Chirac and Schroeder meet in St Petersburg for Iraq; news conference

* G7 ministers meet in Washington for talks on global economic conditions and aiding Iraq's economic reconstruction

Casualties

* US - 106 killed, 11 missing

* Britain - 30 killed

* Iraqi military - More than 2,320, according to US military.

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates up to April 3) - 1,254 killed, 5,112 wounded

Military action

BAGHDAD: US troops face fresh resistance from troops loyal to Saddam, say local Shi'ite gunmen battle Fedayeen paramilitaries in fierce firefight overnight in northeast Baghdad; US Marine killed in fierce fighting around mosque where senior Iraqi leaders believed to be holed up.

NORTHERN IRAQ: US forces, Kurdish guerrillas take Iraq's third city Mosul without a fight. Iraq's entire 5th Army Corps surrenders in Mosul, US military says.
US sends troop reinforcements to Kirkuk, Kurdish fighters expected to leave on Friday. Hundreds of dejected Iraqis are seen walking south from the city.
Air strikes rock Saddam's hometown of Tikrit. Kurds seize Khanaqin near Iranian border.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: US Marines kill two children and wound nine other people in a car that failed to stop at a checkpoint near Nassiriya.

* * *

DAY 22: THURSDAY APRIL 10

* Kurdish fighters take northern oil city of Kirkuk as US troops fight die-hard Saddam supporters in Baghdad

* Turkey says permanent Kurdish force in Kirkuk unacceptable; says Turkish army observers will enter city soon, that US says it will remove Kurd fighters from Kirkuk

* One US Marine dead, more than 20 wounded in four-hour battle at Baghdad mosque where senior Iraqi leaders believed to be holed up

* US says Republican Guard regrouping in Tikrit, Mosul

* US says gains control of Qaim on key road to Syria, captures over 100 tanks north of Kerbala

* Red Cross says Baghdad situation improved, resumes work

Quotes

Bush in joint message with Blair to be shown on Iraqi TV: "You deserve better than tyranny and corruption and torture chambers...Your nation will soon be free."

Iranian Foreign Minister Kharrazi: "The transfer of power and the setting up of a new interim or permanent government must be done under the auspices of the United Nations."

US military spokesman in Qatar: "I would say again that we fully expect that there are fierce battles ahead, that there continues to be resistance and that the overall objective of bringing down the regime has not yet been achieved."

Events

* New TV station in Iraq to broadcast recorded message from Bush, Blair

Casualties

* US - 102 dead, 11 missing

* Britain - 30 dead

* Iraqi military - More than 2,320, according to US military.

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates as of April 3) - 1,252 killed, 5,103 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: US troops patrol the city meeting sporadic resistance, from troops loyal to Saddam and non-Iraqi fighters; US Marine killed in fierce fighting around mosque where senior Iraqi leaders believed to be holed up.

NORTHERN IRAQ: Air strikes rock Saddam's hometown of Tikrit; Kurds seize Khanaqin near Iranian border; Kurdish fighters pour into heart of oil-rich Kirkuk; "Peshmerga" fighters, US Abrams tanks advance towards Iraq's third city of Mosul. US military says Republican Guard joining up near Tikrit and Mosul.

* * *

DAY 21: WEDNESDAY APRIL 09

* Iraqis welcome advancing US forces in Baghdad; rampaging looters attack symbols of Saddam's collapsing power; UK says Iraqi control of Baghdad disintegrating

* US tanks take up positions around a square at centre of Baghdad on east bank of Tigris river

* Senior US official says Bush is "heartened" but cautions war not yet over; military says Iraqi population sees Saddam's era as over

* US says bombs Tikrit, other northern cities; US, Kurdish forces take key mountain from which Iraqis defended northern city of Mosul, Kurdish official says

* Red Cross suspends humanitarian operations in Baghdad, says a Canadian staff member missing

Quotes

Senior US official: "The president (Bush) continues to get good reports from the field from the military point of view. He is heartened by the progress we're making...This is still a military mission and therefore lives are still at stake."

French Foreign Minister Villepin after meeting UK counterpart Straw: "We agree that the United Nations should be given a full role. The more united the international community is, the better the chances of the (reconstruction) process being successful."

Events

* British Foreign Secretary Straw to discuss post-war Iraq with Spanish counterpart Palacio in Madrid

* French Foreign Minister Villepin meets counterparts from western Mediterranean, North Africa

* Kuwaiti Foreign Minister al-Sabah visits Moscow

Casualties

* US - 96 dead, 10 missing

* Britain - 30 dead

* Iraqi military - More than 2,320, according to US military.

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates as of April 3) - 1,252 killed, 5,103 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: About 20 US tanks, other military vehicles take up positions near Tahrir Square on the east bank of the Tigris, considered the heart of the Iraqi capital. Thousands of US troops move towards the centre overnight from the west, northeast and south, meeting little resistance. Reuters journalists watch cheering crowds sack UN headquarters east of centre.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: Residents of Basra complain of a power vacuum as armed men roam streets, looting, pillaging. British officials say a local sheikh will take over leadership in Basra province.

NORTHERN IRAQ: US, Kurdish forces take Maqloub mountain, some 15km northeast of Mosul.

US planes bomb Iraqi positions in northern oil hub of Kirkuk but ground forces in north make slow progress.

DAY 20: TUESDAY APRIL 8

* US forces battle through central Baghdad streets,widening their control of the city; US says Saddam's fateunknown after air raid

* Bush, Blair endorse "vital" postwar role for the UN;Chirac says up to UN alone to handle reconstruction

* Cameraman from Reuters and another from Spain's Tele 5killed during US tank fire on Baghdad hotel; al-Jazeeracameraman killed after US air raid on capital

* Two US airmen listed as missing after their F-15Ewarplane went down on Sunday

* UN says expects little oil to flow out of Iraq in theforeseeable future and many goods ordered previously by Baghdaddo not cover emergency war needs

Quotes

Under-secretary in charge of UN oil-for-food programme for Iraq: "There is no way for us to deliver during the 45-day period everything which may be available in the pipeline to meet the emergency need of the people of Iraq."

Bush on prisoners of war: "We will work to secure their freedom, and we pray for their speedy and safe return."

Amnesty International on the hotel where two journalistswere killed: "Unless the US can demonstrate that the Palestine Hotel had been used for military purposes, it was a civilian object protected under international humanitarian law thatshould not have been attacked."

Iraq's information minister al-Sahaf on US forces inside Baghdad: "They are going to surrender or be burned in their tanks."

Events(TIMES IN GMT)

* French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin meetscounterparts from western Mediterranean, north Africa

* Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Muhammad Sabah al-Salim al-Sabahvisits MoscowFriday/Saturday -

* Putin, Chirac, Schroeder to meet in St Petersburg

Casualties

* US - 96 dead, 10 missing

* Britain - 30 dead

* Iraqi military - More than 2320, according to USmilitary. Iraq has given no figures for its military losses

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates as of April 3) - 1252killed, 5103 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: US warplanes, tanks, artillery pound central Baghdad, target government offices; US troops push intocapital from several directions US Marines push into Baghdad from east, say have seized Rashid military airfield, which Iraqi forces had abandoned US military says does not know if air raid on Mansurdistrict of western Baghdad has killed Saddam.

CENTRAL IRAQ: US forces advance to northwestern edge of city of Hilla, use planes, tanks, artillery to attack Iraqisfiring rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles. Fighting sporadic, but intense at times, lasts most of the day.

NORTHERN IRAQ: US special forces prevent Iraqi troopsmoving south towards Tikrit. US says has seen Iraqi commanders leave their posts orexpress willingness to stop fighting, but no defections from ruling Baath party.

* * *

DAY 19: MONDAY APRIL 7

* US forces burst into heart of Baghdad, enter two Saddam palace complexes; US says commanders on the ground will decide whether to stay in captured areas

* Intensive bombing resumes across Baghdad

* At least four US soldiers killed as Iraqi forces fight back, blocking many Tigris bridges and defending key ministries

* US says it has checkpoints on all major roads into Baghdad; civilians will be allowed to come and go freely

* British Defence Secretary Hoon says he is unsure of Saddam's location but strong indications "Chemical Ali" dead

* US officer says biological, chemical weapons experts come across possible storage site for such arms in central Iraq

Quotes

US Brigadier General Vincent Brooks: "The commanders on the ground will make the decisions on what parts of Baghdad they wish to retain control of."

Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf: "Be assured, Baghdad is safe, protected. Iraqis are heroes."

UK Defence Secretary Hoon: "We are still not sure of the location of either Saddam Hussein or his sons -- there are reports beginning to come in as to the whereabouts of some of those three."

Events (times in GMT)

* Bush, Blair meet over dinner at start of two-day summit south of Belfast, Northern Ireland

* British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon gives statement to Parliament

* UN Security Council holds meeting on Iraq

* Foreign ministers of six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council hold emergency meeting in Kuwait to discuss Iraq war

Casualties

* US - 91 dead, 14 missing

* Britain - 30 dead

* Iraqi military - More than 2,320, according to US military. Iraq has given no figures for its military losses

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - 1,252 killed, 5,103 injured

Military Action

BAGHDAD: US forces mount raid into the heart of Baghdad and enter two palace complexes of Saddam Hussein. US officer says 65 tanks and 40 Bradley fighting vehicles take part. US forces near the Information Ministry and central Rashid Hotel but do not take them. Iraqi forces block many Tigris bridges, defend key ministries with rocket-propelled grenades.

Iraqi, US troops exchange fire in a "battle zone" in central Baghdad that includes a residential district. Two US Marines are killed and many injured in fighting to secure two bridges over a river on the edge of Baghdad, US military says. Marines say both bridges are badly damaged in the fighting.

Two US soldiers believed killed, six injured and two missing in Iraqi attack on communications centre south of Baghdad.

Heavy bombing of Baghdad resumes.

BASRA: British say they control most of Basra, but continue to face pockets of resistance in the old city.

* * *

DAY 18: SUNDAY APRIL 6

* Artillery fire, rocket barrage and explosions reverberate through Baghdad from southern and western suburbs

* US says 2,000 Iraqi troops killed since US reached Baghdad

* BBC reporter says US bombs own convoy, at least 10 killed including US troops, senior Kurdish politician hurt

* Reuters witness says destroyed US tank in Baghdad outskirts, Iraqis say four dead; British defence secretary says Iraqi militiamen threat

* US troops say find dead bodyguards of Iraqi commander nicknamed "Chemical Ali" in debris of bombed Basra house

* British officer says UK tanks in central Basra; Iraqi civilians leaving Basra say militiamen loyal to Saddam fire on fleeing civilian truck

Quotes

BBC reporter: "This is just a scene from hell here...They hit their own people...they've killed a lot of ordinary characters."

Bush: "Village by village, city by city, liberation is coming...The people of Iraq have my pledge: Our fighting forces will press on until their oppressors are gone and their whole country is free."

Casualties

* US - 80 dead, 8 missing

* Britain - 27 dead

* Iraqi military - US says 320 Iraqi soldiers killed in battle for Baghdad airport. Iraqi authorities give no figures for military losses in war

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - 1,252 killed, 5,103 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: Many US troops cross Euphrates river to bolster positions around Baghdad. US military says "significant number" of troops battle into heart of city, meeting resistance from Republican Guard

CENTRAL IRAQ: US aircraft and troops attack Kerbala.

NORTHERN IRAQ: Kurdish "Peshmerga" fighters take town of Ain Sifni, 45 km northeast of Mosul, driving out Iraqi troops. US troops killed in "friendly-fire", BBC says.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: British forces push into heart of Basra.

* * *

Day 17: SATURDAY APRIL 5

* US military says "significant number" of troops battle into heart of Baghdad; Iraq says "everything okay" in capital

* No US troops visible in central, southern Baghdad

* Iraq says retakes Baghdad airport killing several US troops; US officers say still control airport, under heavy artillery fire

* US military says aircraft and troops attack Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala

* Pan-arab newspaper says leaders of Saddam's Baath party in Basra want to surrender to British forces

* US says initial tests of white powder found near Baghdad indicate it is not chemical weapon

* Red Cross says several hundred wounded in Baghdad bombing and fighting

Quotes

Iraqi Information Ministry official: "Relying upon God, our brave people were able to expel the invaders from Saddam International Airport and they are now surrounded by our troops in a small place in Abu Ghraib (a district near the airport)."

US military spokesman on troops in Baghdad: " We will continue to move, this is more than a patrol that goes in and comes back out. We're a mobile force so we'll continue to move, but at this point we have a significant number of troops moving into the city."

Iraqi Information Minister Sahaf on reports US troops in Baghdad: "You can go and visit those places. Nothing there, nothing there at all. There are Iraqi checkpoints. Everything is okay."

Casualties

* US - 75 dead, 16 missing

* Britain - 27 killed

* Iraqi military - US says 320 Iraqi soldiers killed in battle for Baghdad airport. Iraqi authorities give no figures for military losses in war

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - 1,252 killed, 5,103 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: US military says its troops driving into central Baghdad, meeting resistance from Republican Guard US forces seize HQ of Medina Division of Republican Guard, military sources say.

US forces seize Baghdad airport, Iraq threatens to hit back with "non-conventional" means. US calls in aircraft to strike Iraqis on edge of airport.

US says has established effective control of roads between Baghdad and Saddam's hometown, Tikrit. US says Iraq orders in Republican Guard from south of the capital.

CENTRAL IRAQ: US aircraft and troops attack Kerbala.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: British troops edge into Basra, kill eight militiamen.

NORTHERN IRAQ: Kurdish fighters, backed by US air strikes, drive Iraqis further down road to Mosul.

* * *

Day 16: FRIDAY APRIL 4

* Senior US officer says Baghdad airport under US control; residents living near airport stream into city centre

* US spokesman says 2,500 Baghdad division Republican Guards surrendered overnight and US marines are closing in on Baghdad from the Southeast

* US says 320 Iraqi troops killed in airport attack

* British forces say they killed eight Iraqi militiamen in Basra firefight

* Saddam urges Iraqis to turn land beneath invaders' feet into "hell", in statement read out on Iraqi TV

* Heavy bombing of centre of Baghdad, presidential palaces hit; US forces say they hit headquarters of Iraqi air force

Quotes

Blair quoted in letter: "As soon as Saddam Hussein's regime falls, the work to build a new, free and united Iraq will begin. A peaceful, prosperous Iraq which will be run by and for the Iraqi people, not by America, not by Britain, not by the UN

US Air Force General Richard Myers: "Nobody should be euphoric that now that we are on the edge of Baghdad this thing is just about over. That's not true."

Saddam quoted by Iraqi television: "Victory is certain and it is in our hands... To achieve this goal, we must not let the enemy decide and hit, but we must find ways to exhaust him and tear through his ranks and not give him the chance to catch his breath."

Events (Times in GMT)

* UK military briefing with minister of Armed Forces

* Foreign ministers of France, Germany and Russia expected to meet in Paris to discuss Iraq crisis

* Blix takes part in Stockholm seminar on world after war in Iraq

Casualties

* US - 57 killed, 12 missing; up to seven more possibly killed in helicopter crash

* Britain - 27 killed

* Iraqi military - US says 320 Iraqi soldiers killed in battle for Baghdad airport. Iraqi authorities give no figures for military losses in war

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - 1,250 killed, 5,103 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: US forces seize Baghdad airport -- though some buildings still to be cleared -- in first ground attack on city suburb. Nocturnal bombardment of the city resumes with many bombs hitting Saddam's presidential palaces.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: US Marines tighten grip on Nassiriya after breaking Iraqi resistance from the Fedayeen militia who had control over past week; British troops edge two km (one mile) towards southern outskirts of Basra

* * *

DAY 15: THURSDAY APRIL 3

* US troops advance to within 10 km (six miles) ofBaghdad's southern limits, prepare to fight for capital's airport, US military says

* Republican Guard units from four divisions head south from Baghdad to tackle US advance, US military says

* US special forces entered palace near Baghdad overnight, also prevented destruction of some bridges, dam, military says

* Iraq says US-led forces dropped cluster bombs on Baghdad

* Gold plumbs near four-month lows on US advance

Quotes

US Captain Frank Thorp: "We are getting the sense that the command and control capabilities continue to be significantly deteriorated...Just last night special forces in the vicinity of Baghdad were able to go into several important sites, one specifically a palace in the vicinity of Baghdad, where special forces were able to go, go in, take a look and come back out."

Events

* Hoon statement to UK parliament

* Unicef's Iraq representative holds news conference in Rome

* Colin Powell meets EU officials, Nato foreign ministers in Brussels, joint news conference with Nato Secretary-General Robertson

Casualties

* US - 54 killed, 12 missing; possible seven further killed in helicopter crash

* Britain - 27 killed

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - at least 677 killed, 5,062 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: US drops "smart bombs" on targets in Baghdad and on control centre southwest of the city. Iraqi Republican Guard head south to block US troops who have advanced to within 10 km of Baghdad.

CENTRAL IRAQ: US says American troops destroy the Baghdad division of Republican Guard near Kut, southeast of capitaL. Iraq denies US Marines secured a key bridge over Tigris.

SOUTHERN IRAQ: F/A-18 Hornet fighter bomber shot down, fate of pilot unknown. US Marines tighten grip on Nassiriya after breaking Iraqi resistance from the Fedayeen militia who had control over past week. US Black Hawk helicopter shot down near Kerbala. Conflicting accounts on number of dead.

NORTHERN IRAQ: Kurdish fighters battle towards Mosul US planes bomb Iraqi troops in Kurdish-held northern Iraq, forcing them to retreat in several areas; Turkish-registered trucks with US escort head towards Iraqi front line.

* * *

DAY 14: WEDNESDAY APRIL 2

* US forces accelerate advance on Baghdad, launching co-ordinated attacks on two fronts against Republican Guard

* Iraqi TV says Saddam chairs meeting of top officials including two sons; no footage of meeting shown

* US forces say they hold fire after Iraqis shoot from Shi'ite shrine in Najaf

* US says troops secure Tigris river crossing, sweep past Muslim holy city of Kerbala heading for Euphrates

* US bombards Baghdad presidential palace, Kut, northern Iraqi frontline near Mosul; attacks Fedayeen militia in Najaf

* Rumsfeld says only "unconditional surrender" by Iraq will end war; Tareq Aziz says Iraq confident of victory

* Saddam, in message read on state television, tells Iraqis to fight invaders "everywhere", says Jihad is a duty

* US strike kills at least 11 civilians, mostly children; eight Iraqi civilians shot to death at US checkpoints

* US pounds outskirts of Baghdad, Kirkuk; says bombing has reduced two Republican Guard divisions to 50 percent capability

Quotes

Greek prime minister, holding EU presidency: "Only the United Nations can play a leading role in the case of Iraq because only the UN can avoid an explosion of nationalism."

US spokesman in Qatar, on Wednesday's fighting: "This is so far the biggest fight of the war. The battles in Kerbala and Kut are the most significant battles to date."

Saddam in message read on Iraqi state TV: "Hit them. Fight them. They are evil aggressors damned by God. You are victorious and they are defeated."

Rumsfeld: "There will be no outcome to this war that leaves Saddam Hussein and his regime in power. Let there be no doubt, his time will end, and soon. The only thing that the coalition will discuss with this regime is their unconditional surrender."

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz: "We didn't say that we would enter a conflict with America in some desert and that the Iraqi army will be victorious over the American army. We will be victorious inside our country, over the invaders."

Events

* Colin Powell visits Ankara, Belgrade

* Blair answers questions in parliament

Casualties

* US - 53 killed, 11 missing

* Britain - 27 killed

* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - 653 killed, 4,850 injured

Military action

BAGHDAD: US warplanes pound Baghdad, hit presidential compound and command, communications and military facili