Menu
01/04/2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq.
Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said last October that he hoped to cut troops in the southern Iraqi city to 2,500 by spring.
British forces took control of Basra in 2003. Last autumn, they withdrew from the city to the airport. Control of security in the country was handed over to Iraqi forces in December.
(DS/KMcA)
Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said last October that he hoped to cut troops in the southern Iraqi city to 2,500 by spring.
British forces took control of Basra in 2003. Last autumn, they withdrew from the city to the airport. Control of security in the country was handed over to Iraqi forces in December.
(DS/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 August 2006
UN seeks commitment for Lebanon peacekeeping force
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch Brown has said there had been “a reasonable start” from United Nations Member States participating in a meeting of potential troop contributors for an expanded and more robust peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, but that much work remains to be done to achieve the initial deadline of dispatch
UN seeks commitment for Lebanon peacekeeping force
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch Brown has said there had been “a reasonable start” from United Nations Member States participating in a meeting of potential troop contributors for an expanded and more robust peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, but that much work remains to be done to achieve the initial deadline of dispatch
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.
30 September 2004
Second British soldier killed in Basrah is named
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the second British soldier who was killed by militants in the outskirts of the southern Iraqi city of Basrah on Tuesday. Gunner David Lawrence, 25, from Walsall in the Midlands, was serving with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery when the convoy of vehicles he was travelling in was ambushed by militants.
Second British soldier killed in Basrah is named
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the second British soldier who was killed by militants in the outskirts of the southern Iraqi city of Basrah on Tuesday. Gunner David Lawrence, 25, from Walsall in the Midlands, was serving with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery when the convoy of vehicles he was travelling in was ambushed by militants.
08 September 2003
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
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.
-
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.
