The tough British response will further strain ties between Iraqis and British troops, who had maintained relatively good relations with the Shiite population of Basra by pursuing a low-profile security policy, in contrast to tougher U.S. tactics.
"Four tanks invaded the area. A tank cannon struck a room where a policeman was praying," said policeman Abbas Hassan, standing next to mangled cars outside the police station and jail that he said were crushed by British military vehicles. "This is terrorism. All we had was rifles."
In Iraq, state television footage showed the two soldiers unshaven and looking nervous as Iraqi police looked over wigs, Arab headdresses, an anti-tank missile and communications equipment, all apparently used in their mission.
Images of the pair seemed sure to fuel suspicions by militias in Basra and elsewhere who believe foreign troops are on a secret mission to exploit Iraq.
Source: KBU








