Camp as Sayliyah, Qatar, Apr 03: The US Central Command said today there was "increasing evidence" that Saddam Hussein's regime had lost control of its fighting forces and most of the Iraqi population. Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks said coalition forces were approaching Baghdad, without giving a precise location. "We certainly are in close proximity to Baghdad," Brooks said. "There is increasing evidence that the regime cannot control its forces or the Iraqi population in most of the country," he said. A key question was the fighting strength of the Republican Guard units stationed around Baghdad, which US officials have said were hit hard. Brooks said some Republican Guard had surrendered, including 52 who gave up in the town of Kut, about 130 kilometers southeast of Baghdad. He said a number of guard units were on the move, but it was unclear whether they intended to fight or run.

"Whether (the Republican Guard) is melting away by deciding not to fight anymore, or whether it is repositioning, there is movement," he said.

Brooks said even though US forces were near Baghdad, "we don't think that the fighting is over yet."

"There are still options that are open to the regime, including weapons of mass destruction. We take that very seriously," he said.

Bureau Report