British forces launch attack on militia groups in Basra

British ground forces today became involved in the fighting in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, firing artillery at a mortar team, a spokesman for the British said.

The intervention, at the request of Iraqi forces, was the first of its kind in the current battles between Iraqi and coalition troops and militant followers of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Spokesman Major Tom Holloway said the firing, at a mortar team in the al Halaf district of northern Basra, was successfully concluded, though details were not yet available.

The British were firing from their base at Basra International Airport.

Major Holloway said artillery was used “reasonably regularly” against “those who mean us harm” but it was the first time during the current fighting, which began on Tuesday.

British jets have been providing air support in the area but this was the first report of a ground engagement involving British forces.

Iraqis have been in control of security in Basra since the British withdrew in December, but Britain maintains troops there to provide assistance when needed.

The fight for Basra is crucial for Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, who is staking his credibility on gaining control of Iraq’s second largest city.

Iraqi police said that a US warplane had strafed a house and killed eight civilians, including two women and one child.

Major Holloway said: “We are aware of reports of incidents involving civilian casualties, in the Hiyanniya district of western Basra. We are investigating these reports, and we do not have any further details at this time.

“British forces remain committed to support the government of Iraq in Basra.”