* Huge explosion and anti-aircraft fire rock central
Baghdad, U.S. says almost 40 "smart bombs" dropped overnight on
a military store in the city
* U.S. forces advance to within 30 km (19 miles) of southern
edge of Baghdad, military says
* Iraqi TV shows Saddam laughing with ministers
* U.S. says hits Medina and Baghdad divisions of Republican
Guard; Iraq denies Baghdad division near Kut destroyed
* U.S. air raid damages Baghdad maternity hospital, hits
trade fair complex; several killed and at least 25 wounded,
hospital sources and witnesses say

QUOTES
Saddam in a letter to his niece, quoted by Iraqi state
television: "Damn them (the U.S.-led invaders), and by God,
there will be thousands of soldiers fighting for what is right,
virtue and faith in defence of the land of prophets and holy
places, of belief and devotion."

EVENTS (TIMES IN GMT)

Thursday -
* Powell meets EU officials and NATO foreign ministers in
Brussels, joint news conference with NATO Secretary-General
George Robertson at 1430

Friday -
* Foreign ministers of France, Germany and Russia expected
to meet in Paris to discuss Iraq crisis
* Blix takes part in Stockholm seminar on world after war in
Iraq

CASUALTIES
* U.S. - 53 killed, 11 missing
* Britain - 27 killed
* Iraqi military - no confirmed figures
* Iraqi civilians (Iraqi estimates) - at least 677 killed,
5,062 injured

MILITARY ACTION
BAGHDAD: U.S. drop "smart bombs" on targets in Baghdad and
on control centre southwest of the city.
U.S. troops advance towards Baghdad on two fronts against
Republican Guard to within 30 km (19 miles) of southern edge of
capital
U.S. warplanes damage Red Crescent maternity hospital, hit
city's trade fair complex in morning bombing, witnesses say
several people killed
B-52s drop cluster bombs on Iraqi tank column guarding city;
first time such bombs have been used
CENTRAL IRAQ: U.S. says American troops destroy the Baghdad
division of Republican Guard near Kut, southeast of capital;
Iraq denies that U.S. Marines secured a key bridge over Tigris
Units with U.S. 3rd Infantry cross Euphrates north of
Kerbala, secure territory on east bank
Euphrates dam seized by U.S. troops northwest of Baghdad
SOUTHERN IRAQ: U.S. Marines capture bridge on Tigris for key
crossing
NORTHERN IRAQ: U.S. planes bomb troops in Kurdish-held
northern Iraq, forcing them to retreat in several areas;
Turkish-registered trucks with U.S. escort head towards Iraqi
front line