British troops begin Iraqi withdrawal

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: British forces have begun their official withdrawal from Basra after the U.K.’s commander in the south of the country handed over the responsibilities over the base at the Basra international airport to a U.S. general, wrapping up a six-year military presence in the country. Major General Andy Salmon has transferred authority for what will become Multi-National Division South to US Major General Michael Oates. The generals’ pennants were raised and lowered in a handover ceremony. Most of Britain’s 4,100 troops will leave by 31 May, the official end-of-combat date. About 400 will remain after that, either in HQ roles or to train the Iraqi Navy. In a speech at the handover ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of Defense Staff, paid tribute to the troops who had served in Iraq. Maj Gen Salmon says much has been achieved over the past six years. A deal signed by Baghdad and London last year agreed that the last 4,100 British soldiers would complete their mission-primarily training the Iraqi army-by June, before a complete withdrawal from the country in late July. Tuesday’s departure began almost 50 years after Britain’s previous exit from Iraq, in May 1959, when the last soldiers left Habbaniyah base near the western town of Falluja, ending a presence that dated back to 1918. SH (S)/SR 1