Basra a city steeped in bloody engagements

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.

During the last Gulf War, in 1991, President George Bush Sr urged the Iraqi military and the Iraqi people "to force Saddam Hussein the dictator to step aside".

The Iraqis appeared to take notice of his call in the Kurdish areas of the north and the mainly Shia areas of the south, such as Basra but found themselves the victims of brutality and mass executions as the Ba'ath party and the Republican Guard sought to regain control.