Coalition forces claim success in Baghdad, Basra

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US troops are strengthening their position around Iraqi capital Baghdad, having reached the Tigris river north of the city and establishing control of the western half of a circle around the city with marines moving to extend it to the east, reported BBC today.

The British news provider also reported that Iraqi officials acknowledging that US-led troops approached the southern outskirts of the city but say Republican Guard units repelled the advance.

"On Sunday evening a US military C-130 cargo plane became the first flight to land at Baghdad's international airport since US forces seized the area o­n Friday, " said BBC , quoting US officials.

The news also added that fierce fighting erupted in the western suburbs of the capital when units of the US 3rd Infantry encountered determined resistance from Iraqi troops.

"The US soldiers fought their way north, killing or wounding hundreds of Iraqis and inflicting damage o­n their equipment," a US military official was quoted by the BBC .

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