* US claims vanguard of its forces have advanced to within 30kms of the southern edge of Baghdad; some cross “red line” which US believes could trigger chemical attack

* US Marines claim capturing bridge on Tigris for key crossing

* Iraq denies US destroyed Baghdad division of Republican Guard near Kut, southeast of capital

* US military claims it found two banned al-Samoud missiles on a farm near Hilla in central Iraq

* US air raid hits Baghdad maternity hospital, trade fair and motorists; several killed and at least 25 wounded, hospital sources and witnesses say

QUOTES

US Brigadier General Brooks: “The dagger is clearly pointed at the heart of the Baghdad regime and will continue to be pointed at the heart of that regime.”

Iraq military spokesman: “The Baghdad division (of the Republican Guard) is in command of the situation and it enjoys high morale to fight the enemy and destroy it.”

WAR POLL

* Defence experts say US troops likely to need four to eight weeks to take Baghdad, but say predictions difficult

* Fund managers see average six more weeks of war, taking conflict into middle of May

CASUALTIES

* US - 53 killed, 11 missing

* Britain - 27 killed

* Iraqi military - no confirmed figures

* Iraqi civilians - At least 677 killed, 5,037 injured —Reuters