Iraq hits back at allies

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

Guerrilla tactics by Saddam Hussein’s dispersed troops re-engaged troops in the south, challenging coalition claims of advances in the area.

Iraqi TV last night showed two men believed to be US Apache helicopter pilots. The two American airmen were missing in action after their helicopter went down during an assault on Iraqi Republican guards 50 miles south of Iraq.