Major military operation targets Basra houses

UK and Danish forces have mounted one of the largest coalition military operations since the 2003 invasion.

Following the pre-dawn operation, it is reported that five suspects have been detained on suspicion of attacks on coalition forces.

A number of houses in Basra were targeted in the operation.

British armed forces spokesperson, Major Charlie Burbridge said that rogue elements of the militia had been detained in the raids.

Armoured vehicles including Challenger main battle tanks had been deployed in the southern arm of the operation, that also involved an amphibious crossing of the Shatt al-Arad waterway to the north of Basra.

Troops came under heavy fire from rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and small arms as they crossed the al-Hartha bridge.

Initial reports indicate no casualties were reported on either side.

Elsewhere in Iraq a US air raid has killed 32 people following a strike said to have been targeted on an al-Queda militants in Ishaqi in central Iraq.

It is reported that among the dead were 14 women and children.

(SP/KMcA)