IRAQ-CONFLICT: Tough battles in Basra

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

Att.Editors: The following item is from the Qatar News Agency (QNA)

BASRA, Mar 25 2003 (IPS) - Artillery fire exchanges were heard coming from Az-Zubayr area, between Basra and Umm Qasr, Al Jazeera TV satellite channel correspondent has reported.

The correspondent said battles have been raging between the US-British forces and the Iraqi forces which have been trying to regain control on Basra airport.

Such artillery fires might come on part of the Iraqi forces which are trying to recapture Basra airport in a counterattack, said Al Jazeera TV satellite channel correspondent.

He pointed out that the Iraqi forces are pursuing a hit-and-run tactic in attacking the Anglo-American forces which are now controlling Az-Zubayr city and the bridge of the same city.