INTERIM Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi publicly authorised US and Iraqi forces yesterday to clear the rebel cities of Fallujah and Ramadi of “terrorists”.

American troops battered through Saddam Hussein’s forces south of Baghdad today and were near the international airport, 12 miles from the city centre.

Trading fire with Iraqis hidden behind brick walls and hedges, US troops spearheading the drive on Baghdad battled their way into Hindiyah today, capturing dozens of members of Saddam Hussein’s elite Republican Guard.

Allied soldiers inched north towards Baghdad today, capturing or killing paramilitary fighters and Republican Guard while new waves of US bombs hammered the Iraqi capital.

SADDAM HUSSEIN launched his first major offensive out of Baghdad last night, dispatching his elite Republican Guards to confront American troops in central Iraq.