US and British warplanes are "targeting Iraqi systems in southern Iraq", a spokeswoman for Ministry of Defence said this evening, adding that it was part of allied air activity in Iraq's 'no-fly' zones.
It was not clear whether the strikes were the precursor to the main British and US onslaught.
British and US aircraft have been patrolling the northern and southern "no- fly" zones since the end of the last Gulf War.
The patrols have stepped up in recent weeks, targeting Iraqi air defence systems in preparation for the expected invasion.
According to CNN, the Pentagon said that around ten Iraqi artillery sites were attacked in tonight's missions.
Meanwhile giant US B-52s at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire were being made ready. The bombers can deliver a payload of cruise missiles on Baghdad within six hours oftaking off. AFP