11/04/2003

British troops to return home

After 22 days of war in Iraq, Britain is beginning to withdraw its forces from the conflict zone.

In a speech to the Commons today, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said that a phased withdrawal of troops would begin as military operations in Iraq were now entering a post-conflict phase.

Royal Navy warships, such as the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, are now preparing to return home from the Gulf.

The UK currently have an estimated 45,000 personnel and support staff in the Gulf region - and most are currently concentrated in the south of Iraq.

But whilst sporadic fighting has broken out in certain areas and serious looting continues, the Minister maintained that troops should not remain in situ any longer than necessary.

(GMcG)

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