In pictures: Iraqi civilians' plight

1 of 9 Terrified residents of Basra fled their homes, as the fierce fighting continued in and around the southern Iraqi city.

2 of 9 In the nearby town of Safwan, British troops tried to keep order as children and adults waited to get fresh water.

3 of 9 ... but it proved to be a virtually impossible task as crowds rushed for food handouts.

4 of 9 Iraqi families were forced out of their homes, as US Marines searched for weapons near the town of Nasiriya.

5 of 9 Many families - with all their possessions - hurried to leave Baghdad, amid now almost non-stop bombardment of the capital.

6 of 9 Medical staff at one of Baghdad's hospitals again blamed the US-led coalition for targeting innocent civilians.

7 of 9 ... scenes of grief and despair were also seen in one of Baghdad's suburbs.

8 of 9 On Monday, the International Red Cross for the first time visited Iraqi prisoners, but did not comment on their condition.

9 of 9 Iraqi state television urged the people to defeat the invading forces.