Scottish Sunday

Forces surround Basra as time runs out for devastated Baghdad

By Martin Bentham with the 7th Armoured Brigade in Iraq

British divisions battle Iraqi resistance after waiting out early hours of conflict

British and American troops yesterday encircled Basra, Iraq's second largest city. As resistance from Saddam Hussein's army continued to crumble across southern Iraq, General Tommy Franks, the US commander heading coalition operations, said the city would not be stormed and US and UK forces would 'not get sucked into street-to-street fighting'. Franks was clear on his objectives: 'We're hoping there will be an internal uprising. This is about liberation, not occupation.'

Gulf War 2click

British forces spokesman, Lt Col Chris Vernon confirmed allied commanders were trying to work out a 'peaceful capitulation' of the port city. Vernon said allied forces still hoped to avoid any 'bloody urban warfare'. US marines, aided by the Black Watch battle group of Britain's 7th Armoured Brigade, led the assault towards Basra after other coalition forces had completed the encirclement of the city by advancing to the Shatt al-Arab waterway which lies to the north of the city and links it to the rest of Iraq. Fierce fighting between US marines and Iraqi forces was reported to the west of Basra.

Time is running out for Saddam

To the south, Royal Marine Commando Brigade cut off any escape, moving to within a few miles of the city. Basra's airport was secured along with the main bridge into the city. To achieve those goals US Marine Lt Eric Gentrup put it simply: 'There was a decent amount of resistance.' Exactly how much resistance the coalition forces are facing inside Basra, a city dominated by Shia Muslims who rose up against Saddam in 1991 after the first Gulf war, was uncertain last night.

Hope for internal uprising

Franks said: 'We have ongoing dialogue with a number of senior Iraqi officials.'At Basra, Cobra attack helicopters, fighter jets, tanks and heavy artillery helped clear the way for troops who were heading north up Highway 80 -- the Highway of Death during the 1991 Gulf war. Allied military intelligence indicates that most Iraqi army units have fled the city or laid down their arms or returned to their homes in keeping with the advice contained in leaflets dropped by US warplanes in recent days.

Defiant paramilitary forces

However, Saddam's notorious Fedayeen, a paramilitary group that traditionally operates wearing white jump suits and which is run by the Iraqi leader's son Uday, is believed to be in the city and preparing to fight. Other security forces outside the regular army are also thought to be ready to put up resistance.

Other successes on the battlefield

As fighting continued for Basra, there were further coalition successes elsewhere as large numbers of Iraqi troops decided not to fight for Saddam.The biggest capitulation came as the Iraqi army's 51st Division, a mechanised infantry force of between 8000 and 20,000 men, announced its surrender.The mechanised infantry element of Iraq's 6th Division, usually thought to be Saddam's most resilient force in southern Iraq, was also reported to be on the verge of surrender.

Securing the oilfields

Many other units which were believed to be close to the border had vanished by the time coalition forces arrived, virtually all seemingly fleeing to their homes rather than withdrawing to fight deeper inside Iraq.In Umm Qasr, the logistically important southern Iraqi port town where there was some resistance, US and British marines had established full control yesterday.Iraq's southern oilfields, the al-Zubayr pumping station, known as 'the Crown Jewels' because of its significance, were also secured.

The task ahead

By nightfall, US troops were already well north of Basra and preparing to cross the River Euphrates River, where British officers believe that Saddam might decide to unleash chemical weapons in a 'do or die' attempt to halt the coalition advance.'It would have been madness for Iraq to use chemicals near the border because that would have turned world opinion against them immediately,' said Major Patrick Trueman, a British military intelligence officer.

Hotels in Basra

With the current military situation in Basra, it is important to consider the impact on the local hospitality industry. The city's hotels, typically serving business and leisure travelers, may face challenges due to the ongoing conflict.

Security concerns and tourism

Given the uncertainty and potential instability in the region, it is unlikely that tourism will be a priority for Basra in the near future. Travelers, both domestic and international, are likely to avoid the city until the situation stabilizes. This can have a severe impact on the hotel industry, as occupancy rates plummet and revenue decreases.

Operational challenges

The safety of hotel staff and guests is of utmost importance during these times. Hotels in Basra may face difficulties in maintaining their operations due to security concerns. It may be necessary for hotels to implement stricter security measures, including increased surveillance, checkpoints, and limiting access to certain areas. These additional security protocols can create logistical challenges and increase operating expenses for the hotels.

Economic impact

Hotels in Basra are likely to experience significant financial strain during this period. With reduced occupancy and limited revenue, some hotels may struggle to cover their operational costs, leading to potential closures or staff reductions. The local economy, which relies on tourism and hospitality, will also be negatively affected by the decline in visitors.

Rebuilding and recovery

Once the conflict subsides and stability returns to Basra, the city will need to focus on rebuilding and recovery efforts. The hotel industry will play a crucial role in reestablishing Basra as a destination for travelers. It will require strategic marketing campaigns, investment in infrastructure, and collaboration with local and international partners to rebuild the hospitality sector and attract tourists back to the city.