Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=04/02/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= IRAQ WRAP 2ND UPDATE (L)

NUMBER=2-301682

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

///EDS: RECASTS CR 2-301673; UPDATES THROUGHOUT; NEXT WRAP DUE OUT BY 9:30 P.M. EST///

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S troops are rapidly closing in on the Iraqi capital Baghdad, knocking out two divisions of Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard as they continue battles with Iraq's best trained troops less than 50 kilometers outside the capital. The Pentagon says Iraqi command and control has been significantly reduced but is warning the toughest fighting of the war and the real possibility that Iraq could now unleash chemical weapons -- still lies ahead. Correspondent Nick Simeone has the latest on operation Iraqi Freedom.

TEXT: Pushing through the towns of Al-Kut and Karbala, U-S forces are closing in on Baghdad in a multi-pronged approach, virtually wiping out two Republican Guard divisions, some units destroyed, others surrendering, but all no longer able mount a defense of the capital.

/// MCCHRYSTAL ACT ///

It's clearly threatening Baghdad and threatening the core of the regime.

/// END ACT ///

But the Pentagon's General Stanley McChrystal says, despite questions about Saddam Hussein's grip on power, coalition forces continue to face pockets of resistance. And, despite nearly two weeks of heavy air strikes, the Iraqi military is still demonstrating a level of command and control over forces guarding Baghdad, where the toughest battles to topple Saddam's government are expected.

/// SECOND MCCHRYSTAL ACT //

We are expecting or at least planning for a very difficult fight ahead. We are not expecting to drive into Baghdad suddenly and seize it.

/// END ACT ///

Saddam Hussein was again seen on Iraqi television Wednesday, meeting with his top military advisors. But there was no way to determine from the broadcast when the meeting actually occurred. It was left to his information minister Mohammed al-Sahaf to deny the allies' reported advances.

/// AL SAHAF ACT ///

They are lying always and mainly they are lying to their public opinion. Therefore what they have alleged about a breakthrough, this is completely an illusion.

/// END ACT ///

There have been no reports of U-S casualties since the army's third infantry division crossed the Euphrates River under a moonless sky Tuesday night in what appears to be shaping up as the final push on Baghdad, and correspondents traveling with U-S forces report little Iraqi resistance. But reports from Karbala say at least 20 Iraqis were killed in fighting with advancing American troops there.

U-S Marines have now moved past the so-called 'red zone' -- an imaginary circle on the map ringing Baghdad where, once crossed, allied commanders fear Iraq could unleash chemical or biological weapons as a final line of defense.

Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke:

/// CLARKE ACT ///

The likelihood that they might use chemical weapons is in front of us now.

/// END ACT ///

There was a chemical weapons alert in the central Iraqi town of Najaf Wednesday, where the U-S Central Command's General Vincent Brooks reports American forces are being targeted by Iraqi fighters from inside a Muslim shrine, but are withholding return fire in order not to damage it.

/// BROOKS ACT ///

The regime is firing from within a mosque, something that doesn't have military value, something that should be protected by them. It's protected by us.

/// END ACT ///

Still, a journalist traveling with American troops in Najaf reports local Iraqi civilians are welcoming U-S soldiers and asking for food and fuel.

In Baghdad, correspondents report a coalition air strike Wednesday damaged a Red Crescent maternity hospital and other civilian buildings, causing a number of casualties. U-S Central Command in Qatar says it is reviewing its targeting information to determine whether the facility may have been damaged by a missile that could have landed nearby. (SIGNED)

NEB/NJS/MAR