Britons are urged to quit Iraq as war looms

British nationals were warned yesterday to leave Iraq immediately, or risk becoming "human shields".

The warning was issued as the last major wave of troops was dispatched from Britain to the Gulf for a possible war. The deployment, from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, comprised more than a thousand paratroopers, infantry and support troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade. Military sources pointed towards mid-March as the most likely time for a conflict.

With diplomatic manoeuvring accompanying the military build-up, the Foreign Office also urged Britons not to travel to Kuwait or Israel unless absolutely necessary, and to leave the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The warning may be extended to other countries in the region depending on changing circumstances.

Defence sources say a campaign against Iraq is likely to start with fierce aerial bombardment lasting "just a few days" followed by a massive armoured sweep towards Baghdad. American and British special forces are believed to be entering the region, including elements moving into Kurdistan.

On its travel advice website, the Foreign Office cited the "increasing regional tension" and the risk of terrorism as the reason for its advice. It said "If you are considering going to Iraq you should be aware that British nationals were used as hostages during the 1990-91 crisis by the Iraqi regime, being held where their safety was at most risk. You should also be aware that there is no British diplomatic presence in Iraq."

It is estimated there are between 150 and 250 Britons in the country, including journalists as well as volunteer "human shields" – anti-war protesters.

The latest troop deployment will take the British military presence in the region to about 19,000 – 9,000 soldiers, 8,000 sailors and Royal Marines and 2,000 from the RAF. But the bulk of the main British ground force, the 7th Armoured Brigade ("Desert Rats"), has yet to leave its bases in Germany.