"We continue to see a steady advance, which is continuing to gather pace," the spokesman said.

"With regard to Basra, the position is developing in our favour.

"But as always, we will show caution and advance at a pace that will preserve our security and minimise casualties.

"In Baghdad, there appears to be confusion amongst the Iraqi military, unable to cope with the speed and mobility of coalition forces.

"There continues to be a high level of desertions reported amongst the Iraqi military.

"That said, as we have said all along, there remains much that needs to be done and there will be many more difficulties to overcome and, regrettably, there will continue to be losses, though of course we will try to restrict that as much as possible," the spokesman said.

SPACE.WIRE