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British Army joins Basra fighting British Army joins Basra fighting
(20 minutes later)
The British Army have fired artillery shells at a mortar position in support of Iraqi forces in southern Iraq.The British Army have fired artillery shells at a mortar position in support of Iraqi forces in southern Iraq.
The British Army spokesman in Basra, Major Tom Holloway, said the artillery barrage was in response to a request from Iraqi ground forces.The British Army spokesman in Basra, Major Tom Holloway, said the artillery barrage was in response to a request from Iraqi ground forces.
So far there are no reports of casualties.So far there are no reports of casualties.
It is the first time that British forces have engaged militias since the Iraqi army operation began in the city on Tuesday morning.It is the first time that British forces have engaged militias since the Iraqi army operation began in the city on Tuesday morning.
British aircraft have been patrolling the skies above Basra during the course of the operation, but have not been used to attack militiamen. Maj Holloway told BBC News that the engagement had been successful.
They have been used only as a warning to fighters on the ground. He said a "mortar team" had been firing on the Iraqi forces in the al-Klalaf area of northern Basra.
The Iraqi forces then requested assistance from the British Army, and shells were fired at the mortar team.
"This is something we were always prepared to do, and the opportunity arose", Maj Holloway said.
British aircraft have been patrolling the skies above Basra during the course of the operation, but have not so far been used to attack militiamen.
They have been used only for surveillance, and as a warning to fighters on the ground.
Maj Holloway said the Iraqi action against militiamen in the Basra area was a "complicated operation".
"I think we need to be prepared for this to run for a while", he said.