Storms chaos snarls advance

A FIERCE sandstorm yesterday delayed some of the elements of the push into Iraq as the whipping of dust by 80 to 90mph winds made it virtually impossible to see.

Some air missions have been postponed along with other assaults. A lack of visibility brings with it an increased risk, including falling victim to friendly fire.

Soldiers seeking out pockets of Iraqi resistance hiding out in the south-western al-Hijarah desert are finding it difficult to locate their prey, their vision confounded by a blanket of dust.