An AFP reporter travelling with the marines said they appeared to be bypassing Al-Kut, around 150 kilometres (90 miles) southeast of the Iraqi capital.

Troops were in high spirits ahead of what many expect to be the decisive battle in the 14-day war to disarm the Iraqi regime of President Saddam Hussein.

"We have accomplished every objective quickly and easily. I don't think it's a trap by the Republican Guard -- they're still trying to fight but they have no training, poor equipment and they're very sloppy," said Master Gunnery Sergeant Errol Ovid.

US commanders said two of Saddam's elite Republican Guard divisions were destroyed south of Baghdad on Wednesday, including one defending Al-Kut. Only light casualties were reported among the marines here.

"It's a big cover, a front, that the Republican Guard is a real military force. They're like the (Iraqi) government -- all talk. They're more like security guards with no talent, no skill and no plan," Ovid said.

Coalition jets and attack helicopters were continuing to reduce Iraqi positions in Al-Kut after a pause during the night when, according to one military source here, they "ran out of targets".

Meanwhile supply trucks rushed ammunition, fuel and water to the front lines ahead of the next engagement with the Iraqi defences.

"We want to go through. It looks like the road is clear and it's not going to be like Nasiriyah," said Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer Chuck Minkowsk.

The marines were held up for days when they encountered heavy resistance by Iraqi paramilitary forces around the southern town of Nasiriyah in the opening phase of the war.

Minkowsk said there had been no medical evacuations ordered Thursday along the marines' front, indicating little or no contact with Iraqi troops.

The marines are advancing from the southeast while troops from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and 82nd Airborne drive toward Baghdad from the southwest, where they were some 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the capital.

WAR.WIRE