FIERCE Iraqi resistance — including attacks

COALITION forces suffered setbacks in southern Iraq yesterday despite moving within 50 miles of Baghdad.

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair last night said coalition forces were preparing for “a crucial moment” when they take on the Medina Division of Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guard in the battle for Baghdad.

Thursday March 20 - 0100: Bush’s deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq expires.

HUNDREDS of Iraqi troops raised white flags across the south of the country yesterday as British and US forces surged across swathes of territory.

As Allied troops established their positions throughout the day, one British military spokesman said they could be on the streets of Baghdad within three to four days.

British troops are facing some resistance from Iraqi forces in and around the port town of Umm Qasr, Britain's Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon confirmed today.

Here is a summary of the latest attack developments in the Iraq war.

British and US elite forces have launched a raid to capture key oil facilities in southern Iraq.

US ground troops invaded southern Iraq from Kuwait tonight as bombs fell and immediately got into skirmishes with enemy troops.