Philadelphia: US President George W Bush said that US-led forces fighting to disarm
and topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein are moving closer to Baghdad, and
victory, "day by day".
"Many dangers lie ahead, but day by day we are moving closer to Baghdad. Day by day,
we are moving closer to victory," he told a crowd of around 1,000 Coast Guard
officers and enlisted personnel on March 31.
Frustrated by media reports that the military campaign has bogged down amid tougher-
than-expected resistance and overstretched supply lines, Bush listed a litany of
successes for the US-led forces pushing ever-deeper into Iraq.
"It has been 11 days since the major ground war began. In this short time, our
troops have performed brilliantly, with skill and with bravery. They make us proud,"
said the US leader, who wore a blue US Coast Guard windbreaker.
Bush said US-led forces have taken control of most of Western and Southern Iraq,
seized key bridges, asserted their domination over Iraqi skies, and have begun
delivering tonnes of humanitarian aid to Iraq's beleaguered populace.
Moreover, US military action has thwarted Saddam's plans to destroy Iraq's oil
fields and taken over Iraqi missile launch areas, said the President, who also
delivered a message to people struggling under Saddam's rule.
"We're coming with a mighty force to end the reign of your oppressors. We are coming
to bring you food and medicine and a better life. And we are coming and we will not
stop, we will not relent until your country is free," he said.
Bush also had a message for doubters at home who worry that the military campaign
has blunted the edge of the war on terrorism he declared after the 9/11
attacks.
