In pictures: Desert firepower

Just miles from Kuwait's border with Iraq, American combat troops have been taking part in live-fire exercises, putting battle tanks and attack helicopters through their paces as Washington keeps up its warnings to Saddam Hussein.

For the 10,000 American troops in Kuwait, the annual Desert Spring war games are deadly serious this year

Kuwait has agreed to allow the US to use its territory if the United Nations backs a military strike

Apache attack helicopters are practicing missile attacks

Patriot missiles are once again preparing to defend US forces and their allies from Iraqi rocket attack

Czech troops equipped with chemical, nuclear and biological suits have joined the Americans

Howitzers have been blasting targets at ranges of up to 15 kilometres (nine miles).

But these are only exercises, and the troops can continue to enjoy air-conditioned tents for now