Bloody road to Baghdad

US AND BRITISH troops continued their advance on Baghdad yesterday after more than 20 coalition soldiers were killed in "the toughest day" of the war so far.

"It's the toughest day of resistance that we've had thus far. We understand that there may be other tough days ahead of us, but the outcome is still certain," US Army Lt General John Abizaid said last night as troops

advanced to within 100 miles of the city. "We are on track. We will arrive in the vicinity of Baghdad soon."