The Australian March 26, 2003
The fight for Baghdad
Ultimate target
* Coalition planes targeted the Republican Guard's Medina division just south of Baghdad as many troops pressing towards the capital were halted by a sandstorm 80km to the south.
* Iraqi leaders have reportedly drawn a red line on the map around Baghdad and once US troops cross it, Republican Guard units are authorised to use chemical weapons.
This line is expected to be about 50km from the centre of Baghdad.
A second defensive line is expected closer to the city.
* Baghdad, with its 5 million people, is divided into six regions, each guarded by a Republican Guard division.
* Destroyed: Intelligence HQ, Republican Palace, Old Palace, Peace Palace, al-Salam Palace, Sijood Palace, Azzouhour Palace and numerous other government facilities.
* Trenches filled with oil surrounding the city have been set alight to obscure visibility.
On guard
Republican Guard
Approximately 50,000 men are among the best-equipped and highly-trained forces available to Saddam Hussein. These divisions have modern weaponry, including Soviet-supplied T-72 tanks with a night-vision capability.
There are three armoured divisions (Nida, Hammurabi and Medina), one mechanised division (Abid) and two infantry divisions (Adnan, Baghdad).
Elite Republican Guard (Fedayeen)
A military-style force which acts as Saddam Hussein's personal guard. Largely made up of infantry, it has some armour and artillery. It is thought to comprise several battalions and about 10,000 men.
Is responsible for protecting the president and providing a military response to any attempt at rebellion or coup.
The Elite Republican Guard, also known as the Golden Division, is paid higher salaries and accorded priority in getting food and prescription drugs.
In terms of equipment and firepower, Iraq's Republican soldiers are no match for even the ordinary coalition soldiers, let alone Marines.
Coalition forces are concerned about the ability of Republican soldiers at urban warfare, however.
Sources: Jane's Information Group, www.globalsecurity.org, Agencies
Copyright © 2003, Nationwide News Pty Limited
