Domestic television went silent around 11:50 pm (2050 GMT), but satellite television was still being received abroad.

US airstrikes have repeatedly targeted state television buildings and the information ministry, with military planners believing Saddam Hussein's propaganda apparatus is a key element securing his control over the country. The television, however, has only gone off the air for brief stretches.

Around the same time that the television went off the air, at least five explosions could be heard from Baghdad's southern outskirts along with the roar of warplanes and the burst of anti-aircraft fire.

Saddam's main presidential compound, the Republican Palace, was attacked at least twice Wednesday, the third straight day the sprawling complex was targeted.

SPACE.WIRE