British troops finally declare Umm Qasr safe

THE Iraqi port of Umm Qasr was yesterday declared secure following sweeps by Royal Marine commandos, paving the way for the first deliveries of aid to Iraqi civilians.

Members of 42 Commando carried out searches of residential and industrial areas surrounding the port overnight, Major Ray Tonner said.

The Royal Marines were given the job of clearing the final pockets of resistance yesterday when other Allied forces who had been battling for control of the key port since last week, moved further north.