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Iraqi paramilitary forces in Basra fired mortars and machine gunfire Friday on a "couple of thousand" Iraqi civilians trying to flee city, British military officials said.

Members of Britain's 7th Armored Brigade were trying to neutralize the fire, evacuate the civilians and treat the wounded, said Lt. Col. Ronnie McCourt, a spokesman for British forces in the Gulf.

He said a "couple of thousand" Iraqi civilians had tried to break out of the besieged city in the north and west, but came under fire from Iraqi paramilitary forces inside.

"We are trying to save the people, return fire and rescue civilians," he said.

He said a "couple of thousand" Iraqi civilians had tried to break out of the besieged city in the north and west, but came under fire from Iraqi paramilitary forces inside.

"We are trying to save the people, return fire and rescue civilians," he said.

photo credit and caption:

Members of the British Army bring humanitarian relief to the people of Imam Anas, a settlement south of the city of Basra, Iraq. The troops were concerned about a sniper attack from within the settlement. (AP Photo/Mark Richards, Pool)

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