Politics for Pros- moderated Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

From: D. Long	8/26/2007 12:20:11 PM
	of 793868

The Brits surrendered to the militias, who quickly hoisted their flag. BBC Last Updated: Sunday, 26 August 2007, 15:34 GMT 16:34 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version British forces have withdrawn from a base in Basra they shared with Iraqi police - the first step in a plan to move out all troops based in the city. Another 500 troops will now pull back from Saddam Hussein's former palace, their only remaining base in the city. In future, British forces will be based at an air station just outside Basra. The MoD said Basra does not have the heavy fighting experienced in Baghdad and Iraqi forces are demonstrating that they can take the lead in the city. Confused reports The MoD said in a statement: "There had been a small presence up to now of British forces in the PJCC (Provincial Joint Coordination Centre) for the support and mentoring of Iraqi police. "Last night these forces were moved from the PJCC in the framework of the plan for the handover of the Basra Palace to Iraqi control, though British forces currently remain at the palace base." Between 50 to 60 British troops and Iraqi police were based at the police headquarters, while around 500 UK service personnel remain at Basra Palace. The overnight withdrawal led to confused reports about who now controlled the police headquarters. Shiite flag The Associated Press quoted eye witnesses who said Shiite militia men from the Mahdi Army took over the base after British forces passed control to Iraqi police last night. The witnesses said the Mahdi Army emptied the building taking generators, computers, furniture and even cars. But the MoD said that as far as they were aware the headquarters were still in the hands of the Iraqi security forces. An MoD spokesman said there was a green Shiite flag flying on the building, but not the black flag associated with the Mahdi Army. There are now about 5,500 UK troops in Iraq - mostly based at Basra Airport.

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next