sentences:  Using tanks, the British began to gain control over buildings and shantytown areas on the outskirts of the city.On the 27 March, 3 Commando Brigades BRF "(Brigade Reconnaissance Force)" twice raided—with the support of heavy weapons, the Basra suburb of Abu al-Khasib; after D company, 40 Commando exploratory attacks established that the area had been well fortified.The raids intention was to harass the Iraqis and test their defences and their capabilities to reinforce the area.