The latest air raid came after the US Central Command claimed that US forces had seized control of Saddam International Airport on the outskirts of Baghdad.

A presidential complex used by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's second son Qusay was hit during the bombardment, Xinhua correspondent Subhy Haddad said.

A few minutes earlier, Iraqi troops opened anti-aircraft fire at coalition warplanes flying over Baghdad, he added.

The fresh military confrontation over Baghdad some one and a half hours after Iraqi TV aired pictures of President Saddam walking on the streets of Baghdad and being surrounded by cheering crowds.

Saddam's first public appearance on Baghdad streets could be seen as a morale booster for the Iraqi people and troops.

Hundreds of Baghdadis praised and kissed Saddam, shouting "With blood and soul, we save you, Saddam."

Iraqi TV said that the videotape was recorded earlier Friday when Saddam visited some residential sites hit by US-led bombardment.

(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2003)