A Jordanian border police officer told a group of journalists who wanted to go to Iraq that all foreigners without a visa could not travel to the eastern neighbour.

The officer said he had received instructions to stop Jordanians, who do not need a visa for Iraq, to cross the border -- a move that effectively prevents even journalists who have a visa from catching a ride to Baghdad.

The officer declined to provide explanations for these new measures but told reporters that the road to the Iraqi capital was "extremely dangerous".

Travellers who meanwhile arrived from Baghdad at Jordan's Al Karama border post told journalists they have come under unidentified fire on Wednesday on the desert highway.

US troops deployed in Baghdad on Wednesday as the Iraqi regime collapsed, while British forces were in the southern Iraqi city of Basra but coalition troops have still to control Iraq's western desert region.

SPACE.WIRE