Allied forces on high alert over Saddam’s martyrs

ALLIED forces in southern Iraq were placed on high alert yesterday after reports that the Fedayeen, Saddam Hussein’s ultra-loyal brigade of martyrs is operating in the area.

As in other parts of the country, the level of resistance around the oilfields west of Basra has caught coalition forces by surprise, and is further complicated because the combatants are usually in civilian dress.

The problem has also been exacerbated by the fact that many of the younger soldiers have only experienced peacekeeping duties and are unfamiliar with the more brutal wartime rules of engagement.

Yesterday amid fierce sand and thunderstorms, troops from the 16 Air Assault Brigade became involved in a fierce artillery battle with an Iraqi

division while a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was fired at one of the 3 Regiment Army Air Corps' Lynx Mk7 helicopters.

Extra patrols were called in to guard the encampment. Regiments within the brigade, currently holding the Rumeila oil fields and expanding into the western desert, were ordered not to travel unless accompanied by a second vehicle and communication facilities.

"If a civilian is seen carrying a weapon and they do not surrender then they will be shot.," explained Capt Matt Wilcock, of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps.

While a large number of Iraqis around the oil fields are now carrying white flags and almost 1,000 prisoners of war have been taken in the surrounding area alone, pockets of resistance continue to fight.

In one instance seven men, clad in civilian clothes, were spotted carrying RPG launchers near one of the British camps.

Reports the Fedayeen are operating locally has also been a matter of concern. Formed in 1995 by the Iraqi leader's eldest son, Uday, as a private militia, their job is now thought to involve stiffening the resolve of the regular army's commanders.

The mysterious, lightly-armed force of some 20,000-30,000 will also launch guerilla-style attacks to waylay the coalition, experts said yesterday.

Pilots in the 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, have altered their initial plans engaging columns of enemy tanks with the Lynx Mk7 missiles to scouring the area for smaller bands of armed men.

"We have to look out for this Northern Ireland-style, asymmetric threat now," explained Capt Wilcock.