"Our priority in Basra is to make the city secure so the United Nations can get in there. We have increased our presence in the streets," said Group Captain Al Lockwood.

"There are still sporadic outbreaks of looting, though it is stopping ... largely because the shops are now empty," he said.

In general, he said the troops were letting things run their course, confident the looting will soon end completely.

"The initial euphoria will gradually die down and people will regain a certain sense of responsibility," he said.

But the troops did shoot an armed bank robber, he said.

"We're walking a tightrope" he said, adding that there was a need to restore order, but also a risk this could fuel further violence.

Lockwood said the British forces in Basra were holding talks with tribal and religious leaders and were considering the possibility of imposing a curfew.

The talks also aim at finding ways to get basic services restored in the city and to get residents to return to work.

SPACE.WIRE