Overnight and early today, there was a shattering bombardment of what remained of the Nida division of the Republican Guard, with artillery shelling Iraqi tanks from as much as 20 miles away and B52's firing from above.

The reports from 155 mm. guns were so powerful that they blew off the tarps and broke the windshields of nearby American military vehicles, officers said.

The First Marines raced behind the Nida division, whose burnt-out tanks littered the roadside. Local residents cheered the Americans, as they did on Thursday.

Two captured members of the Medina group of the Republican Guard said that hundreds of their fellow soldiers gave up the fight. Many tore off their triangle insignias, the two said.

Today's advance left the marines 10 miles from downtown Baghdad, and across town from the Third Infantry Division which took control of the city's airport, on its west side. The dual positions put the city in a powerful vise.

With strong momentum, the Americans might wish to enter the city, but generals must decide whether the risk of street-by-street fighting and chemical attack argues in favor of holding back.

Today's advance came after waves of civilians streamed out of Baghdad and its surrounding cities on Thursday.

The bulk of the First Marine Division crossed the Tigris River on Thursday from the southeast, and wheeled northward, pausing to do battle with several hundred Iraqi soldiers who decided to stand and fight.