The first humanitarian aid shipment bound for Iraq has been delayed by 24 hours.
Supply ship the Sir Galahad had been due to dock in the southern Iraqi port of Umm Qasr to deliver emergency food aid to desperate Iraqis.
But the shipment, which will be an important PR boost to coalition claims that they are rebuilding the country, has been delayed after more mines were found in the approaches to the port.
The UN has already warned of a humanitarian crisis after reports of civilians being forced to drink water from puddles in Basra.
Air Marshal Brian Burridge, leader of the UK forces in Iraq, claimed the discovery of two mines in the channel leading to Umm Qasr last night "illustrates his (Saddam's) disregard" for the welfare of his own people.