The World - News from March 9, 1987

Iran is building a complex network of channels east of the Iraqi city of Basra to drain marshlands in preparation for a major offensive against the heavily fortified port, according to the London Observer. The newspaper said it has obtained satellite pictures showing Iranian troops building a multi-channeled water sluice, more than 20 miles long and one mile wide. Once the area is drained, infantry units could attack toward Basra in strength. Military analysts said the project is intended to drain the Hawizah marshes, which Iraq flooded to check Iranian advances.