BASRA, April 19: British troops manning an ammunition bunker position on the outskirts of Basra shot a suspected Iraqi man after coming under fire on Saturday, a spokeswoman said.

The wounded man and a suspected accomplice were arrested after the incident, Captain Jo Bowlt said.

The incident came as British troops on foot patrol in the centre of Basra were also forced to take cover after a number of shots were fired near them.

Lieutenant Nick Ferrier of the Irish Guards said around four or five shots were fired, although it was not clear if the British soldiers were the target.

“We don’t know if it’s just an act of defiance or aimed at us,” said Ferrier. “It’s impossible to pinpoint where it’s from.”—AFP