Reuters correspondent Luke Baker, traveling with units of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, saw a limited clash with Iraqi troops 45 miles southeast of Najaf that held up the U.S. advance overnight. U.S. officers told him there was heavier fighting further up the river, close to Najaf itself.
Saturday, March 22, 2003
SOUTHERN IRAQ (Reuters) - Iraqi troops halted an advance by U.S. forces up the Euphrates river, engaging them in battle on Sunday near the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf, just 160 km (100 miles) south of Baghdad, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.
