Iraqi port of Umm Qasr declared safe
The Iraqi port of Umm Qasr was today declared secure following sweeps by Royal Marine commandos, paving the way for the first deliveries of aid to Iraqi civilians.
Members of 42 Commando carried out searches of residential and industrial areas surrounding the port overnight, Major Ray Tonner said.
The Royal Marines were given the job of clearing the final pockets of resistance yesterday when other Allied forces who had been battling for control of the key port since last week, moved further north.
“They secured the port, not the town and industrial sites. 42 Commandos took on that responsibility,” Maj Tonner said.
The British soldiers carried out sweeps overnight after arriving in the area yesterday,
Iraqi hardliners who had held out in areas surrounding the port finally appeared to have been routed, Major Tonner said.
