Iraq briefing

Quick overview

Leading US units 10km from Baghdad. Capital faces a broad front approaching from the south. Republican Guard units head south to meet the advance. New US warnings of potential chemical attacks. Iraqi forces fall back from Kirkuk. British weed out Iraqi irregulars in Basra.

The fight

* US claims Iraq is firing unguided missiles in Najaf and putting troops in shrines such as the Ali Mosque.

* US forces repel two counter-attacks at key bridge over the Euphrates.

* Witnesses say missiles hit a Baghdad hospital, killing or wounding at least 25 people. Propaganda war * Anti-war protests continue throughout Arab world.

* Iraqi television shows more footage of President Saddam Hussein.

* Los Angeles Times fires photographer for doctoring photos taken outside Basra.

* Iraq expels an Arab al-Jazeera reporter and bans another from reporting. Station temporarily suspends broadcasts from Baghdad.

Casualties

* Landmine kills BBC cameraman.

* Pentagon reports 60 dead, 11 missing. British deaths, 27. Iraq estimates at least 677 civilians killed.

Herald Feature: Iraq war