In pictures: Battle for airport

In pictures: Battle for airport

1 of 6 US forces came under fire as they fought for control of the airport

2 of 6 Military vehicles deployed on the tarmac while marines tried to secure the buildings

3 of 6 The arriving forces found much of the airport abandoned

4 of 6 Wreckage now litters what was once a powerful symbol of Saddam Hussein's rule

5 of 6 Military officials hope the airport's capture will deliver a psychological blow to the Iraqi regime...

6 of 6 ... and provide a new forward base for the final assault on Baghdad