Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 3/24/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= PENTAGON/BAGHDAD (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-301236

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Coalition forces have begun attacking a key Iraqi Republican Guard division guarding the southern approaches to Baghdad. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: So far the confrontation with the Medina Division of Iraq's Republican Guard has been with coalition air assets --- including Apache attack helicopters, at least one of which has been lost and whose crew is now listed as missing.

Major General Stanley McChrystal of the Pentagon's Joint Staff says it is a formidable enemy force but he believes it has been weakened.

///MCCHRYSTAL ACTUALITY///

It is one of the best Republican Guard divisions, one of the most powerful Republican Guard divisions. I am sure that it has been degraded significantly.

///END ACTUALITY///

The Pentagon says the coalition drive towards Baghdad is proceeding well -- even a little ahead of schedule. And officials also report continuing signs of what they say is confusion and disarray among Iraqi forces, including evidence that some commanders are ignoring or disobeying orders. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/MEM