An AFP reporter travelling with the marines said they appeared to be bypassing Al-Kut, around 150 kilometres (90 miles) southeast of the Iraqi capital.

Troops were in high spirits ahead of what many expect to be the decisive battle in the 14-day war to disarm the Iraqi regime of President Saddam Hussein.

"We have accomplished every objective quickly and easily. I don't think it's a trap by the Republican Guard -- they're still trying to fight but they have no training, poor equipment and they're very sloppy," said Master Gunnery Sergeant Errol Ovid.

US commanders said two of Saddam's elite Republican Guard divisions were destroyed south of Baghdad Tuesday, including one defending Al-Kut. No fatalities have been reported among the marines here.

"It's a big cover, a front that the Republican Guard is a real military force. They're like the (Iraqi) government -- all talk. They're more like security guards with no talent, no skill and no plan," Ovid said.

Coalition jets and attack helicopters were continuing weed out the Iraqi positions in Al-Kut after a pause during the night when, according to one military source here, they "ran out of targets".

SPACE.WIRE