Republican Guard targeted by Apaches

COALITION forces have begun a massive aerial bombardment of Iraqi Republican Guard units entrenched just outside Saddam Hussein’s capital, military chiefs said yesterday.

The aim is to “soften up” the Iraqi dictator’s elite troops before ground forces arrive to begin the “Battle of Baghdad”.

Up to 40 helicopters from the US Army’s 11th Attack Helicopter Regiment were involved in the first assault on the Republican Guard’s Medina Division, one of six stationed in and around Baghdad.