The fighting, which raged as the troops attempted to gain full control of the facility, began at about 7:30 am (0330 GMT), shortly after US forces said they had seized about 80 percent of the sprawling civilian and military airport complex.

Iraqi forces were shelling US positions within the airport, situated 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Baghdad.

Colonel Will Grimsley, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Brigade said "US forces have occupied the VIP terminal at the airport."

Forty prisoners of war had been taken in the fighting, he added.

"They are all Special Republican Guard and special forces."

Grimsley also said two American soldiers suffered shrapnel injuries, but he was unable to provide any details on their status.

Earlier, Major John Altman, a US Army intelligence officer with the 3ID said US forces controlled "probably 80 percent" of the airport.

However, he said it will not be secure "until you've gone to every room of every building. There's a lot of buildings."

US forces began their assault on the airport on Thursday evening, raining heavy artillery fire on it. Witnesses said dozens were killed and injured.

The first US Bradley fighting vehicles and M1 Abrams tanks breached the airport perimeter walls at 7:30 pm (1630 GMT), according to 3ID Captain Michael McKinnon.

WAR.WIRE