'Report on the operations carried out in the southern desert in connection with the Iraq-Najd borders, June 1928-May 1929.' [‎7] (9/32)

over control of the whole desert area, including the
administration of the tribes and all the Iraq forces, including
police, in it. The "Desert Area" was defined to include all
forces'south and west of a line drawn through Rutbah-Karbala-
Basrah.
21. In order to facilitate air reconnaissances in the Wadian
area, where, as stated, the threatened attack on the Anaizah
was most likely to materialise, it was decided to establish an
advanced base at Nukhaib, which was to be held by a garrison
of the 'Iraq Army. The 4th Battalion, less one Rifle Company
and half Machine Gun Company, carried out this duty, pro
ceeding by train to Karbala from Baghdad on 2nd January,
and thence by motor transport to Nukhaib. The occupation
of this post was completed on 5th January. As soon as the
defences of the post were completed the garrison was reduced
to one Rifle Company and half Machine Gun Company.
22. On 4th January the Armoured Car Section at Mosul
was withdrawn to Hinaidi. to be available for use in the area of
operations.
23. On 7th January one flight of No. 30 (Bomber) Squadron
relieved one of the flights of No. 55 (Bomber) Squadron at
Karbala, and on the 14th the other flight of No. 55 (Bomber)
Squadron was replaced by a second flight of No. 30 (Bomber)
Squadron. On 15th January one flight of No. 55 (Bomber)
Squadron proceeded to Sulman on detachment. On
17th January one of the flights at Karbala was withdrawn to
Hinaidi. On 18th January the garrison of two Rifle Companies
at Shabichah was relieved by one Rifle Company and half a
Machine Gun Company.
AJMAN RAID.
24. Unconfirmed reports had been received that Dhaidan
ibn Hithlain, Paramount Sheikh of the Ajman, had set out
from Hasa to aid 'Iraq or Kuwait tribes. Rumour placed
this party at A1 Riqai on 19th January. On the 21st a man
arrived at Kuwait and reported that he had met one of
Ibn Hithlain's scouts just north-west of Jahrah. The scout
announced that Ibn Hithlain's party was in the neighbourhood,
and intended raiding 'Iraq and other tribes in the north-west
part of Kuwait. Accordingly, Kuwait tribes were advised to
close in on Jahrah. In addition an air reconnaissance was
carried out along the northern border of Kuwait during the
afternoon of 21st January, but no Akhwan raiders were to be
seen. Shepherd tribes in the Jabal Sanan were, however,
observed to be moving northwards.