Under fire in Nasiriya

Under fire in Nasiriya

By Andrew North
BBC correspondent in Nasiriya, southern Iraq

The situation around Nasiriya in southern Iraq seems to be becoming ever more dangerous for US forces.

Last night they experienced a surprise Iraqi rocket attack, hundreds of troops dived for cover as the rockets came in groups of four - approximately 20 Marines were reported to have been injured.

200 or more civilians have been seen leaving the town

Most of the injured marines suffered shrapnel wounds. The incident also led to a reported "friendly fire" incident in which Marines mistakenly fired on their own side in response.

US forces later responded with heavy artillery and an air bombardment of Iraqi positions near the town.

From the multiple explosions it sounded as though American aircraft were dropping cluster bombs. But whatever force the US employs, they cannot seem to get control.

Civilians leave

More fighting is going, and more explosions.

US aircraft have been continuing to strike Iraqi targets in and around Nasiriya - very heavy explosions have been heard.

This appears to be a counter-offensive by the US following what have been some serious guerrilla-style tactics against US forces here.

It now seems that the American forces are upping the ante somewhat because Nasiriya has becomes such a thorn in their side.

The Marines further in the town have been coming under sniper fire and mortar attacks - the attacks come without warning, regardless of where civilians may be at any time.

On Thursday, 200 or more civilians have been seen leaving the town heading southwards. It is possible that others have been moving to the other side of the town.

They have been saying that in some cases they have been ordered to evacuate - it is not entirely clear by whom.

But it is clear that civilians do feel at risk now, which is not surprising given the scale of the latest bombardment.