The Jerusalem Post March 24, 2003
Franks: War effort progressing according to schedule
By Adam Sharon
WASHINGTON - US Central Command chief Gen. Tommy Franks praised the coalition forces on Monday, stating that despite weekend setbacks, "Progress toward our objectives has been rapid and in some cases dramatic."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, addressing the House of Commons, said that advance troops were 60 miles from Baghdad, expected site of heavy future battles between coalition and Iraqi Republican Guard units.
Franks confirmed that these elite Iraqi forces have been hit in coalition air strikes and "will continue to be hit." Reports from the battlefield indicate that heavy fighting continues to persist around Nassiriya, a major crossing point over the Euphrates River northwest of Basra. At least five American POWs were captured near the southern Iraqi town, ambushed by Iraqi paramilitaries and "Fedayeen soldiers." Four dead servicemen were later paraded on Arab TV in an apparent violation of the Geneva Convention.
According to various sources, military commanders report that allied losses in Nassiriya amount to 10 dead, 12 wounded, and 16 missing. Franks noted that the Red Cross "would certainly be in there" to provide accountability and ensure all POWs are properly cared for.
Franks added that American military commanders were not surprised that Iraqi forces have engaged in fierce firefights with coalition troops, but added, "Our people are prepared to fight this war."
Officials in Washington are confirming that Monday's broadcast on Iraqi television was indeed Saddam Hussein, but experts believe the appearance was recorded. "We don't know when it was recorded, how old it may be, and whether it was new," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer. The Iraqi leader was targeted in a coalition air strike during the opening hours of the war.
President Bush on Monday spoke with three foreign leaders including Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Bush requested that Putin investigate persistent reports of Russian companies selling GPS jamming equipment, night vision goggle,s and antitank missiles to the Iraqi regime.
"These actions are disturbing and we have made our concerns clear to the Russian government," Fleischer stated. "We've asked the Russian government that any ongoing assistance cease immediately."
According to Fleischer, Putin said he "would look into" the matter. UN resolutions stipulate that Iraq was not allowed to purchase such equipment. This issue has been discussed at various levels throughout the US and Russian governments for nearly one year.
GRAPHIC: Map: Fierce resistance blunts U.S. advance (Credit: United Press International, Reuters, Globalsecurity.Org; Graphic News)
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