Basra has been under fire by the USA and its allied forces for the last three days.

Amnesty International said:

'We are concerned that the situation in Basra may be mirrored in other cities and regions in Iraq.

'Military authorities have a responsibility to carefully assess the implications on civilians of any object that they target. All parties to the conflict in Iraq have a responsibility to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the civilian population are fully met.

'With the escalation of military activity in Iraq it is vital that the health and safety of ordinary civilians is given increasing consideration.'

The human rights organisation noted that both the Iraqi authorities and the military authorities of the USA and its allies must facilitate access and the operations of humanitarian organisations.