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.

The first aid shipment was finally due to arrive in Iraq tomorrow amid mounting concern about a humanitarian crisis.

US troops took control of Safwan near the border with Kuwait today after an assault by helicopters, jets, tanks, howitzers and sharpshooters.