SPACE WIRE
US troops within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of Iraqi capital
KARBALA, Iraq (AFP) Apr 02, 2003
 US troops driving to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein have closed to within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of Baghdad, officers said Wednesday amid a multi-pronged attack towards the capital.

The US Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) was spearheading the attack after moving through a strategic corridor west of the city of Karbala while US marines moved on Baghdad from the southeast, crossing the Tigris River near the city of Kut.

Asked how close were the lead elements of the attacking force, Major Maurice Goins, operations officer of the 3ID's 1st brigade, said: "I'd say within 50 miles of Baghdad."

SPACE.WIRE