Baghdad bombed again, fierce fighting near Najaf

26 March 2003
Coalition forces launched another series of bombing raids against Baghdad at dawn on 26 March, targeting the Iraqi state television headquarters and other communications facilities. The Pentagon said that the aim of the operation was to damage the command and control capabilities of the Baghdad regime and hinder its propaganda and disinformation campaign. Programmes resumed some hours later. Raids were also carried out on the northern city of Mosul.

In the south, US Marines fought a fierce battle against Republican Guard forces near Najaf, about 160 kilometres south of Baghdad, killing at least 150 Iraqis. The US 7th Cavalry came under attack with rocket-propelled grenades, but no casualties were reported. US forces also claimed to have secured the route through the town of Nasiriya.

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