Ao minuto: Praças europeias respiram de alívio, indiferentes a possível violação de cessar-fogo

[atomez]

Hoje durante a noite começou o ataque terrestre a Bagdad. Agora é que a coisa se torna decisiva. As notícias de como o avanço progredir terão grande impacto quanto às perspectivas de duração do conflito.

"US-led forces claim to have encircled the city of Karbala in central Iraq, seen by the American military as the last major hurdle on the road to Baghdad.

The assault on the Shi'ite holy city began around 2am (11pm GMT) and met little opposition, according to witnesses.

The Americans secured all major exit routes and were advancing north, according to Reuters reporter Luke Baker, travelling with the US 3rd Infantry.

He said commanders had expected a day-long battle to seize the perimeter but the operation was completed within three hours.

The operation involved troops moving on the city, supported by warplanes, Apache attack helicopters and artillery."