07/10/2005
British troops detain 12 in Basra raid
British troops have detained 12 people, suspected of involvement of recent attacks against allied troops, in the southern Iraq city of Basra.
The raid, which took place on Thursday night, is believed to have taken place at the home of an Iraqi police officer.
It has also been reported that a number of Iraqi police officers were among those detained, as well as a number of members from local militia groups.
The Ministry of Defence did not confirm those reports, but said that weaponry had been seized during the raids.
The raid comes two weeks after British troops carried out a rescue operation to free two soldiers arrested by Iraqi police. The men were later freed from a nearby house, where it is believed local Shia militia took them.
Following the rescue, concerns were raised by British officials that militia may have infiltrated the Iraqi police force.
It has been reported that some of those detained in Thursday’s raid are followers of extremist Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who controls the Mahdi militia.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the government suspected that Iran might be supplying explosives to Shia militia in Iraq. However, the claims have been denied by Iran.
(KMcA/GB)
The raid, which took place on Thursday night, is believed to have taken place at the home of an Iraqi police officer.
It has also been reported that a number of Iraqi police officers were among those detained, as well as a number of members from local militia groups.
The Ministry of Defence did not confirm those reports, but said that weaponry had been seized during the raids.
The raid comes two weeks after British troops carried out a rescue operation to free two soldiers arrested by Iraqi police. The men were later freed from a nearby house, where it is believed local Shia militia took them.
Following the rescue, concerns were raised by British officials that militia may have infiltrated the Iraqi police force.
It has been reported that some of those detained in Thursday’s raid are followers of extremist Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who controls the Mahdi militia.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the government suspected that Iran might be supplying explosives to Shia militia in Iraq. However, the claims have been denied by Iran.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2003
British forces begin law and order role in Basra
British troops are gearing up to take on a different type of role in Basra as fighting ends and looting spreads across the city. Coalition forces are to seek a non-military solution in the region by holding a regional conference aimed at restoring political leadership southern region of Iraq.
British forces begin law and order role in Basra
British troops are gearing up to take on a different type of role in Basra as fighting ends and looting spreads across the city. Coalition forces are to seek a non-military solution in the region by holding a regional conference aimed at restoring political leadership southern region of Iraq.
28 May 2004
Three die in Kufa as Coalition clashes with militants
At least three people have been killed during fresh clashes between Coalition troops and militants in the holy city of Kufa, according to report emerging today. The BBC has reported that US army tanks came under fire from automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades as they pushed toward city's main mosque.
Three die in Kufa as Coalition clashes with militants
At least three people have been killed during fresh clashes between Coalition troops and militants in the holy city of Kufa, according to report emerging today. The BBC has reported that US army tanks came under fire from automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades as they pushed toward city's main mosque.
14 May 2003
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
Policing experts are traveling to Iraq today to advise on the stabilisation of the security situation and to participate in a review on how to rebuild the Iraqi police service. The team of four will be led by Chief Constable of Hampshire - and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) international portfolio holder - Paul Kernaghan.
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
Policing experts are traveling to Iraq today to advise on the stabilisation of the security situation and to participate in a review on how to rebuild the Iraqi police service. The team of four will be led by Chief Constable of Hampshire - and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) international portfolio holder - Paul Kernaghan.
02 July 2015
Murder Investigation Into John Palmer's Death
A murder investigation has been launched into the death of John 'Goldfinger' Palmer. The 64-year-old, from South Weald, was found by his family at an address in Sandpit Lane, Esse, shortly before 6.30pm on Wednesday 24 June.
Murder Investigation Into John Palmer's Death
A murder investigation has been launched into the death of John 'Goldfinger' Palmer. The 64-year-old, from South Weald, was found by his family at an address in Sandpit Lane, Esse, shortly before 6.30pm on Wednesday 24 June.
06 May 2010
Three Held Over Jewel Raid
Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a jewel raid carried out on jewellers inside London's Westfield Shopping Mall. Three males, aged 15, 17 and 18, were arrested in Camden, north London. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the gang escaped in three cars, one of which was followed by police, before officers lost sight of it.
Three Held Over Jewel Raid
Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a jewel raid carried out on jewellers inside London's Westfield Shopping Mall. Three males, aged 15, 17 and 18, were arrested in Camden, north London. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the gang escaped in three cars, one of which was followed by police, before officers lost sight of it.
-
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.