Three decades of rule by Saddam Hussein appeared to be collapsing in Baghdad today, as US troops mopping up fading resistance there were cheered by jubilant Iraqis. US central command said it was premature to say the war was won, as some areas of Baghdad were still under the control of Saddam loyalists. But with looting breaking out unhindered, it was clear his regime was unravelling. Guardian reporter James Meek, who was with US marines in Baghdad, said resistance to the Americans had "all but collapsed". Downing Street said "command and control in Baghdad appeared to have disintegrated". TV pictures showed Iraqis welcoming US forces and chaotic scenes of government buildings being looted without any sign of Iraqi police or troops keeping order. There were also reports of Iraqis celebrating in the city of Irbil, 220 miles north of Baghdad. In Baghdad, the United Nations headquarters and shops near the Olympic Committee's building were ransacked, as were military installations, government buildings and research institutions. Government computers, furniture and even military jeeps were taken from sites around the city. There were also signs that Iraq's efforts to sustain its public relations campaign were collapsing after government-employed journalists' minders failed to turn up for their work. Baghdad Bob is home working on his resume.
Uncensored reports by foreign reporters began to come from the capital and Iraqi state television was off the air. Resistance seemed to fade as increasing numbers of US troops moved through the city, hunting down small bands of Iraqi fighters. The action followed one of quietest nights in Baghdad since the conflict began. The fate of President Saddam remained unknown, but his loyalists retained control of the Baghdad neighbourhood targeted by bunker-busting bombs in Monday's US strike that was intended to kill him. US troops advanced on central Baghdad from the south-west of the city. Other units steadily expanded their reach, opening a new northern corridor in Baghdad. They secured a military airport, a prison and set fire to a Republican Guard barracks. From the south-east, marines secured routes inside the city and pursued small, roving bands of Iraqis armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons. In one neighbourhood, numerous civilians flashed thumbs-ups to the US troops.
Careful, guys. It ain't over yet.