At a photo opportunity after briefing members of the US Senate about the day's developments in Iraq, Rumsfeld said difficult challenges still await coalition forces.

"We had a good day today, however, it is not over ... there will be additional fights," said Rumsfeld, adding that the briefing was attended by more than half the 100-member US Senate.

"While it is wonderful to see the faces of the Iraqi people and to feel the joy that they have to be free of that vicious regime, nonetheless (coalition forces) continue to be in danger until the entire mission is completed," the defense secretary said.

Rumsfeld later briefed members of Congress' lower chamber, the House of Representatives.

"A lot has been accomplished; there's a lot to do," said Duncan Hunter, chairman of the house armed services committee, after congressmembers received their update.

While coalition forces have made a great deal of progress, Rumsfeld insisted that they are not yet in control of the Iraqi capital.

"Obviously, we do not control Baghdad" he said saying that control of the city was in transition.

He then added quickly "but neither does the regime -- you can be sure of that."

At the same news conference, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Richard Myers said "scraps of intelligence" suggest that members of Saddam's inner circle -- including extended family members -- have fled into Syria, while Rumsfeld again claimed Syria served throughout the war as a conduit for military equipment to Iraqi forces.

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