"A violent battle took place (Saturday) between the courageous forces ... of the Republican Guard, the inhabitants of Baghdad, and the enemy who tried to approach the southern outskirts of Baghdad," the statement said.

The Iraqis were able to "decapitate" the enemy forces, it added. "The enemy had to halt and retreat ... once again, our armed forces' fire pursued them, leaving hundreds dead."

Saddam International Airport had become "a cemetery" for the US forces, the statement added, without elaborating.

Earlier, US Colonel David Perkins had claimed around 1,000 Iraqis had died in bloody fighting as US tanks entered Baghdad on Saturday morning.

US Central Command in Qatar also denied Iraqi claims it had retaken control of the airport, adding the facility had been secured by coalition forces.

SPACE.WIRE