The U.S. Army moved 155 mm howitzers and multiple-launch rocket systems into southern Iraq and began firing at Iraqi troops near the Basra region.The mission on Thursday evening was led by the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division. Division commander Maj. Gen. Bufourd Blount said the artillery attack signals the first phase of the ground war against Iraq.

Meanwhile, U.S. bombers and fighter-jets struck targets in Baghdad for the second time on Thursday. Iraqi gunners fired anti-aircraft artillery and missiles toward the U.S. warplanes.

NICOSIA Ñ Iraq has launched the destruction of its oil facilities ahead of the advance of U.S. ground forces.

Arab diplomatic sources said Iraqi troops destroyed at least one facility near the southern port city of Basra. They identified the facility as the oil field at Rumeila. Rumeila is said to be one of the largest oil fields in Iraq. It ihas more than five billion barrels of oil in reserves.

U.S. officials confirmed that Iraqi soldiers have been ordered to torch oil fields. They said that up to four oil fields were ablaze.

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Palestinians demonstrate for Saddam

GAZA CITY Ñ Palestinian supporters of Iraq have launched anti-U.S. demonstrations around the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Pro-Iraqi demonstrations were reported in several areas. In the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun, nearly 1,000 Palestinians burned U.S. flags. Anti-U.S. rallies were also reported in Gaza City. The demonstrators shouted "Death to America. Death to Bush."

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U.S. asks Cyprus for use of air space

NICOSIA Ñ The United States has asked the Republic of Cyprus for use of its air space for the war against Iraq.The U.S. request also included the use of Greek Cypriot ports, officials said.

"Due to our geographical location, the United States has asked for some facilities," Foreign Minister George Iacovou said.

In October 2001, the Republic of Cyprus signed an accord with the United States that gave Washington "blanket use" of its air space and airports, Iacovou said. The foreign minister said the United States did not make extensive use of these facilities in the war against Al Qaida.

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Greek security agencies, military on high terror alert

ATHENS Ñ Greece has placed its military and intelligence services on high alert. Greek authorities have increased security around Western embassies. They include the British, Israeli and U.S. embassies. Greece has also increased patrols at airport in response to an alert of an Islamic insurgency attack. Officials said about 200 people, most of them Arab nationals, have been placed under surveillance.

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