British tanks of 7th Armoured Brigade have pushed their way Sunday into the center of Basra, according to the UK military. Spokesman Colonel Chris Vernon said three battle groups had entered Iraq's second-largest city.
He said one was fighting the Iraqi defenders, one had met no resistance and the third had yet to report. He said British soldiers in the city were "there to stay".
Basra has been ringed by British forces for several days.
Col Vernon told Sky News that Iraqi defenses had been weakening, and the local British commander made the decision to go in. "He took the decision this morning 'Here's the opportunity, the conditions are right, let's go for it'." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
