"As well as things have gone, it's still a military mission and therefore lives are still at stake," said the aide, who requested anonymity. "But obviously the progress has been very good."

Three weeks to the day after Bush ordered the first attacks on Baghdad, jubilant crowds cheered US troops sweeping through the Iraqi capital Wednesday as the Iraqi capital looked set to fall.

"The president continues to get good reports from the field from a military point of view. He continues to be heartened with the progress we're making," the US official told reporters.

The Bush aide cautioned neighboring nations against admitting Saddam, saying any effort by the Iraqi dictator to seek refuge would be a "no go" from Washington's point of view.

"He had his opportunity to leave the country, and he didn't take it," said the official, referring to Bush's pre-war ultimatum giving Saddam 48 hours to avert military action by fleeing the country.

"We don't know if he's alive or dead."

Asked whether US forces would aim to stem looting in Iraqi cities, the official replied: "As the mission continues, security will improve and increase."

Bush huddled with lawmakers at a regularly scheduled breakfast meeting, but none of them spoke to reporters after leaving the White House, which was offering a low-key response to the goings-on in Baghdad.

SPACE.WIRE