Before the field reports from media sources, Pentagon sources said U.S. Marines were going after the Republican Guard's Medina division near Karbala -- a battle that began late Tuesday -- and would soon go after the Baghdad division near Kut.

CNN: 'Battle of Baghdad' possibly in early stages

It is known that some elements of the Republican Guard's crack Medina Division were near Karbala, about 40 miles closer to Baghdad.

CNN: Euphrates battle may be biggest so far

It is a little way from there that they will encounter the Medina division of the Republican Guard who are defending the route to Baghdad.

CNN: Blair: Troops closing on Baghdad