The operation required Imposing_obligation the seizure of the bridges by airborne troops across the Meuse River , two arms of the Rhine ( the Waal River and the Lower Rhine ) , together with crossings over several smaller canals and tributaries .

The US 82nd Airborne Division 's failure Earnings_and_losses to capture Conquering the main highway bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen before 20 September delayed the advance by 36 hours .