AROUND 2,000 civilians were shot at by Iraqi paramilitary forces as they tried to flee the southern city of Basra, British army officers claimed yesterday.

Long-awaited aid was expected to arrive in southern Iraq today, after allied forces laid siege to Basra following a tank battle victory.

IRAQI tanks are hidden “in the shop windows and under car parks” in Basra, which has filled with militia as civilians flee, British soldiers were told yesterday.