Iraqi tanks hidden in shops and car parks

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.

Hundreds of refugees were reported to have poured out of Iraq's second biggest city, which has become a British frontline in the South. However, troops at the checkpoints south of the city said they had seen only a handful, who were searched for weapons and military paraphernalia before being allowed on their way.

They painted a grim picture of the military forces amassed in the city.

"Civilians tell us that the militia have piled into Basra," said Sgt Duane Gardner, of the Queen's Royal Lancers. "All their kit, their army apparently the tanks are hidden in the shop windows and under car parks."

His colleague, Corporal Tony Uprichard said: "We spoke to one English student who said the Iraqis were behind us and wanted him (Saddam Hussein) out. He said the regular army had gone north, but the militia were in Basra."

The Fedayeen the black-hooded fighters most loyal to Saddam are known to be active in the city, which has been the scene of fierce fighting since the outbreak of war. Some of the civilians leaving Basra had complained they and their children were injured by the Iraqi military, the soldiers said.

The two men were with their Challenger 2 tanks at checkpoints on one of the main highways south of the city.

"And I've got a cake from my mum in the tank for later. I would much rather be at home, but it could be worse."