Marines take part of key road into Iraq

US Marines seized a portion of the ad leading from Kuwait into the Iraqi city of Basra, suppressing earlier resistance from Iraqi mortars and arms.

US Marines seized a portion of the main road leading from Kuwait into the southern Iraqi city of Basra, suppressing earlier resistance from Iraqi mortars and arms.

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Supported by Cobra attack helicopters and Howitzers, Marine tanks and armoured vehicles rolled down Route 80 through the demilitarised zone between Kuwait and Iraq.

Tanks were placed on berms to provide cover for Marines moving on the main road, Route 80.

Until now, the Marines have taken side roads to travel in the region. Seizing Route 80 would help US troops move faster into southern Iraq's largest city.

The Marines had encountered resistance in the area for several hours on Friday morning after moving to attack the nearby town of Safwan.

The military continued to broadcast warnings to civilians in the area on loudspeakers to stay indoors.