US troops 15 km from downtown Baghdad: general

SOUTHWEST OF BAGHDAD (AFP) Apr 03, 2003
US forces advanced Thursday to within 15 kilometers (nine miles) of downtown Baghdad and controlled the southern approaches to the capital, a senior commander said.

Major General Buford Blount, commander of the 20,000-strong Third Infantry Division, said troops of his second brigade controlled a key intersection south of Baghdad.

He said they were 15 kilometers from the city center and "they have the southern access to Baghdad blocked," he said.

SPACE.WIRE