Forces move deeper into Fallujah

A thunderous explosion shook northern Fallujah, centre of the fighting, witnesses said. Residents confirmed US-led forces were near the middle of Fallujah. Terrified civilians stayed at home, nerves stretched by the crash of bombs. 8216;8216;There are heavy air strikes everywhere and heavy clashes in the Jolan district,8217;8217; one resident said. Many fled the city of 300,000 to escape air raids . It is not clear how many remain.

Residents said they had no power and used kerosene lamps at night. They kept to ground floors for safety. Telephones were erratic. Even food shops had been closed for six days. 8216;8216;My men have reached their designated area one kilometre inside Fallujah,8217;8217; said a senior Iraqi Army officer.

The interim Iraqi government say foreign Muslim militants led by Al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi are holed up in Fallujah. Rebels staged bloody attacks on police stations in Baquba. A mortuary official said 45 people had died in attacks. A suspected car bomb outside an Iraqi National Guard base near Kirkuk killed three people. Fallujah residents said a US air strike had hit a clinic in a central district, killing some medical staff and patients. 8212;Reuters