TROOPS from the region have captured a suspected Iraqi insurgent leader responsible for bombing British forces and terrorising civilians.

Three other alleged militants were detained and three shot dead in dawn raids in Basra province yesterday morning.

The raids were carried out by units from 19 Light Brigade, based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

The alleged insurgent leader was captured by troops from 1 Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, and 38 Battery, 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, in the southern rural area of Safwan.

Army chiefs said he was responsible for roadside bombs attacks on British forces along the main supply route from Kuwait.

He is also alleged to have been involved in the extortion, kidnap and intimidation of civilians.

One man was arrested north of Basra by soldiers from Denmark and the Black Watch.

He is suspected of laying roadside bombs and launching rocket attacks on the contingency operating base at Basra Airport.

Troops from 2 Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, came under heavy enemy fire during raids in Basra City.

The soldiers shot three suspected militia members without being injured themselves.

They also found ammunition while searching a house.

Two other alleged insurgents were arrested during the raids.

A spokesman for 19 Light Brigade said: "The operations are just part of an ongoing campaign that we have been conducting in conjunction with the Iraqi security forces. The aim is to capture key criminals and deny the influence of those malign forces.

"Our brigade has seen substantial progress during our tenure, not only of the improved security situation for the Iraqi people, but also the growing effectiveness and responsibility of the Iraqi security forces in providing for their own security."

Soldiers from 19 Light Brigade will return to the UK at the end of this month. Fifteen soldiers from the brigade have died during the tour.