Pentagon leaders called on Iraqi military officers today to turn against the government of President Saddam Hussein and said US-led forces had taken 45 per cent of Iraqi territory.
During a Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Iraqi armed forces were reinforcing battered Republican Guard divisions defending Baghdad with troops from the less-capable regular army.
"For the senior leadership, there is no way out. Their fate has been sealed by their actions," Mr Rumsfeld said.
"The same is not true for the Iraqi armed forces. Iraqi officers and soldiers can still survive and help to rebuild a free Iraq if they do the right thing. They must now decide whether they want to share the fate of Saddam Hussein or will they save themselves, turn on that condemned dictator and help the forces of Iraq's liberation."
Air Force Gen Richard Myers, chairman of the US military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, added, "The Iraqi regime no longer controls about 45 per cent of Iraq and coalition forces are on the outskirts of Baghdad."