Iraq air strikes 'a success'
British defence sources claim air strikes against Iraq have been successful in reducing the level of anti-aircraft activity.
Last Friday's attacks on six Iraqi air defence sites are thought to have reduced the threat to Allied aircrew.
Tony Blair has defended the raids and branded Saddam Hussein the most dangerous leader in the world.
"Activity in terms of the threat... has been very low indeed," a British defence source said.
"We have been flying most days including this morning on patrol and pilots have seen a lower level of threat since the mission.
"Iraqi air defences have been operating at a very low level and I think this has been successful in terms of reducing the threat to patrol aircraft."
He added: "We have definitely degraded their ability but there is still a question of whether it is permanent or temporary or whether they have adopted a different approach."
The source added that evidence has emerged of Serbian help for the Iraqis under former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic.
Reports had been received of Serbs being involved in building underground facilities in Iraq.
He added there was "absolutely no suggestion" that the Serbs were helping Iraq under new leader Vojislav Kostunica.
