London: Amidst indications that America may launch an attack on Iraq in February, the British Royal Navy is planning to spearhead the country's effort in the US-led military campaign, launching its biggest amphibious landing operations in 20 years, media reported.

The 5,500 Royal Marines will be part of the 40,000 amphibious force being assembled for the task.

Preparations for action are being stepped up after signs that America has set its sights on February to launch an attack on Iraq, soon after the January 27 deadline for Hans Blix, the United Nations chief weapons inspector, to report to the Security Council on Iraqi co-operation.

In all, Britain's Naval contribution will involve more than 20 ships from the Navy and Fleet Auxiliary, led by Ark Royal and the helicopter carrier Ocean.

The whole of the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade, which made up the bulk of the landing force in the Falklands, will join United States forces to seize the strategically vital Southern port of Basra, Iraq's second biggest city.

"The Americans have asked for the Royal Marines and we will send them," a senior Defence source was quoted as saying by 'The Sunday Telegraph'.

The attack will involve the Naval Task Force which sails to the Gulf early next month, led by the aircraft carrier Ark Royal after its conversion into a commando assault ship.

"The war will be launched with a ferocious air assault designed to achieve the total annihilation of Saddam's forces within a month," the report said.

PTI