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29/04/2003
Two British soldiers return after Syrian detention
Two British soldiers who were being held by the Syrian government have been released today, following a visit by a Foreign Office official to Damascus.
The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq. It is thought that the pair had been part of a group that had been ambushed by Iraqi forces and who were then forced to escape across the border. They trekked for over 100-miles with Iraqi soldiers in hot pursuit.
It has also been reported today that US troops have killed around 15 people who were part of a group protesting against the US presence in Iraq. The killings occurred in the town of Falluja near Baghdad.
US troops in the area claimed that they were fired on by the crowd, but Iraqi civil leaders have rejected this.
Elsewhere, the US Defense Secretary has said that it is set to reduce its forces in the Gulf region.
Donald Rumsfeld said that it is not yet clear how forces will be deployed in the future, but it is certain that there will be withdrawals.
(GMcG)
The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq. It is thought that the pair had been part of a group that had been ambushed by Iraqi forces and who were then forced to escape across the border. They trekked for over 100-miles with Iraqi soldiers in hot pursuit.
It has also been reported today that US troops have killed around 15 people who were part of a group protesting against the US presence in Iraq. The killings occurred in the town of Falluja near Baghdad.
US troops in the area claimed that they were fired on by the crowd, but Iraqi civil leaders have rejected this.
Elsewhere, the US Defense Secretary has said that it is set to reduce its forces in the Gulf region.
Donald Rumsfeld said that it is not yet clear how forces will be deployed in the future, but it is certain that there will be withdrawals.
(GMcG)
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05 May 2004
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
07 April 2003
Desert Rats 'in Basrah to stay'
British troops have pushed into the heart of Iraq's second city and, according to the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, "they are now in Basrah to stay". The operation to infiltrate Basrah – a city of 1.5 million people – began on Saturday when the Desert Rats, supported by Irish Guardsmen, moved against Iraqi positions.
Desert Rats 'in Basrah to stay'
British troops have pushed into the heart of Iraq's second city and, according to the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, "they are now in Basrah to stay". The operation to infiltrate Basrah – a city of 1.5 million people – began on Saturday when the Desert Rats, supported by Irish Guardsmen, moved against Iraqi positions.
07 April 2003
Three soldiers killed during fighting in Basra
Three British soldiers have been reported killed in Iraq following two days of sustained fighting to secure Basra. With resistance described as "sporadic" within the city, the soldiers, two from the Irish Guards and one Royal Fusilier, were killed as UK forces sought to consolidate their hold over the southern Iraqi city.
Three soldiers killed during fighting in Basra
Three British soldiers have been reported killed in Iraq following two days of sustained fighting to secure Basra. With resistance described as "sporadic" within the city, the soldiers, two from the Irish Guards and one Royal Fusilier, were killed as UK forces sought to consolidate their hold over the southern Iraqi city.
28 September 2004
Two soldiers killed in southern Iraq
Two British soldiers have died following an ambush outside the town of Basra in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Soldiers came under fire as they tried to rescue others from an armoured Land Rover which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade at around 0615BST.
Two soldiers killed in southern Iraq
Two British soldiers have died following an ambush outside the town of Basra in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Soldiers came under fire as they tried to rescue others from an armoured Land Rover which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade at around 0615BST.
11 May 2004
Girl (8) among Iraqi civilians killed by UK troops: report
An eight-year-old girl is among a number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed in disputed circumstances by British forces in southern Iraq, an Amnesty International report has alleged.
Girl (8) among Iraqi civilians killed by UK troops: report
An eight-year-old girl is among a number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed in disputed circumstances by British forces in southern Iraq, an Amnesty International report has alleged.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
