http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/26/sprj.irq.war.main/index.html

Wednesday, March 26, 2003 Posted: 1:58 PM EST (1858 GMT)

KARBALA, Iraq (CNN) -- A column of up to 1,000 Iraqi military vehicles was
reported moving south Wednesday night toward Najaf, the scene of an earlier
battle with U.S. forces, U.S. Army officers told CNN.

The column is believed to be made up of troops from Iraq's elite Republican
Guard. The forces were moving from Baghdad at a rate of 18 mph to 36 mph,
toward the lead elements of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, CNN's
Walter Rodgers reports.

Coalition military officials said they expect the Iraqi forces are heading
south to try to retake a key Euphrates River bridge, captured by U.S.-led
troops after fierce fighting this week.

U.S. commanders were calling in airstrikes to slow the Iraqi advance.

A persistent sandstorm is limiting the coalition's ability to protect its
ground troops with helicopters and planes, Rodgers said. Apache helicopters
haven't been able to fly for two days. However, the weather conditions have
improved enough for some planes to fly close air support if needed, Rodgers
said.