The highest threat is from small arms fire.

BFBS News Report, 2005

With the toppling of Saddam Hussein after the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, sectarian violence erupted and an insurgency began against the Western backed Iraqi government and coalition forces. British Forces sought to bring security and stability to their region of responsibility in south-east Iraq. Helicopter became the safest method of travel around Iraq, and RAF Merlins were deployed to Basra for this purpose as this 2005 Forces TV film explains.