Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/3/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ WAR/BAGHDAD (S)

NUMBER=2-301704

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=DOHA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Coalition troops fighting Iraq are reported advancing rapidly toward Baghdad, and some units are said to be less than 20-kilometers from the center of the city. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from coalition headquarters in Qatar that reporters traveling with some units say the troops are meeting only light resistance as they pass by.

TEXT: U-S Army deputy operations director, Brigadier General Vincent Brooks, acknowledged some coalition troops are close to Baghdad, but he declined to say how close or how soon they would arrive.

/// BROOKS ACT ///

We are cautiously optimistic. While we are having successes now, we still believe there is fighting ahead. We can not predict entirely what will occur next.

/// END ACT ///

The general's remarks follow reports that American units are moving rapidly toward the Iraqi capital. General Brooks said American troops have passed through the Karbala Gap, less than 80-kilometers from Baghdad and have taken another important bridge over the Euphrates River. He said these troops are carrying out, what he called, a deliberate attack toward Baghdad.

Coalition officials say they have destroyed two divisions of the Iraqi Republican Guard and have taken thousands of prisoners. Iraq's minister of information, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, denied the report, calling it an illusion. (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/ALW/RAE/FC