The A10 swooped twice to fire on the northern entrance of the compound and on the planning ministry, just outside the northern gate of the complex where fierce clashes have been taking place for more than three hours.

It returned to open fire a third time on an area beyond the planning ministry, apparently on a road leading to the information ministry.

The A10 released flares against missiles as it rose in the sky after every pass.

US and Iraqi troops were engaged in a fierce exchange of fire inside the complex where US armour could be seen moving amid heavy exchanges of tank, artillery and gun fire.

SPACE.WIRE