Word: combatted
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Judging by the clashes between the allies and Saddam's forces in the south, at least some of the Iraqi forces guarding Baghdad are likely to fight to the death. The struggle for the city could draw U.S. troops into highly dangerous close-quarter urban combat and bring untold misery to Iraqi civilians subjected both to collateral damage caused by the allies and to the terror of Saddam's men. In the besieged cities of Basra, Nasiriyah and Samawah, Iraqi refugees and defectors said Fedayeen were slaughtering men and boys who refused to fight against the invading forces...
...suits coalition forces found in abandoned Iraqi bunkers. Another harrowing scenario is that if an extended siege of Baghdad failed to break Saddam's hold on power, the U.S. would be forced to send its forces downtown to get him. Since Mogadishu, the U.S. has significantly improved its urban-combat readiness, training soldiers how to fight in claustrophobic environments in which 90% of the targets are less than 50 yards away. But nothing can prepare young soldiers for the relentless hell of the real thing. Urban engagements historically result in 30% casualty rates on both sides; while the U.S. believes...
Special Republican Guard 15,000-25,000 Largely recruited from Saddam's al-Bu Nasir tribe and other loyal groups, SRG troops are scattered throughout Baghdad and well-trained in urban combat. Its units protect Saddam and top Baath Party officials...
...Quds (Jerusalem) Army Size unknown A volunteer civilian group, the Quds militia was founded by Saddam in September 2000 with the supposed purpose of "liberating Palestine." Now providing domestic defense, Quds fighters (which include women) are trained in basic combat. They have staged guerrilla attacks outside Baghdad, then faded into residential areas when pursued
...coalition's technological advantage is less important when the combat is face to face and takes place in neighborhoods the Iraqis know and control. Intelligence will be crucial: blueprints of the city's infrastructure and satellite photos to identify Iraqi movement will help, as will specially designed urban-combat gear...