“British forces handed over military control of the Basra area to U.S. commanders Thursday to clear the way for America’s main battlefield ally to exit Iraq after more than six years of war.”
Associated Press. Britain Ends Combat Operations in Iraq. Retrieved on April 30, 2009 from [Source]
The British troops have now ended six years of combat operations in Iraq after Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised his military’s accomplishments and sacrifices in a mission that was not popular at home.
Brown spoke after meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at Brown’s Downing Street office in London.
“Today marks the closing chapter of the combat mission in Iraq. The flag of 20 Armored Brigade will be lowered as British combat patrols in Basra come to an end and our armed forces prepare to draw down. They will always be remembered for the service they have given. Our country owes them a huge debt of gratitude.”
Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, 179 British service personnel have been killed in Iraq. In the southern city of Basra, the British military held a ceremony to honor those who died during the war.
The bulk of Britain’s 3,700 troops will leave Iraq by the end of May. About 400 British military personnel are expected to remain to train Iraqi naval forces.
Due to the number of years this war has been in effect, the constant funding and transporting of troops has caused economic implications and casted burdens on many of European countries and the United States. While the world-wide financial crisis is causing global stress, the United States still pledges to remove troops in 2011.
***
CS
