THOUSANDS of Marines pushed north toward Baghdad in “seek and destroy” missions yesterday, trying to open the route to the Iraqi capital and stop days of attacks along a stretch that has become known as “Ambush Alley.”

THE key city of Basra is no stranger to scenes of civilian uprising against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein – or the bloody aftermath following the withdrawal of western allies.

COALITION forces were last night poised to take the strategic city of Basra as the war against Saddam Hussein looked like entering a new phase.

In a country wracked by war and constant bloodshed the key city of Basra has been at the centre of all turmoil.