04 November 2004

Black Watch patrols to block off terrorist 'rat runs'

The Black Watch regiment, which was moved closer to Baghdad to back up under-pressure US troops in the area, is preparing to carry out dangerous swoops on so-called terrorist 'rat runs'.

It has emerged today that soldiers from the Scottish unit will push out from Camp Dogwood to carry out patrols in the difficult terrain used by militants to move men and weapons into the Fallujah area.

British troops will also sweep mangrove swamps near the base, from where militants have staged rocket and mortar attacks since the 850-strong battlegroup arrived four days ago.

Engineers have already started constructing a pontoon bridge across the Euphrates allowing patrols access to the eastern bank.

The US is currently preparing for a massive assault on Fallujah, and its warplanes softened up suspected militant positions last night with an intense air bombardment.

When the assault does go ahead, the British force will be in a position to block off rebel supply and reinforcements, tightening the coalition stranglehold on the city – which lies 20 miles south of the Iraqi capital.

The battlegroup is expected to return to British-controlled Basrah within 30 days.

(gmcg/sp)