Basra Causes Brits To Delay Further Troop Reductions In Iraq
The number of British troops in Iraq will not be reduced as planned, due to violence in Basra, Defence Secretary Des Browne has told MPs.
Since October the government has cut troop numbers from 5,000 to 4,000. But plans for a further reduction to 2,500 have been halted, he confirmed.
During the weekend, forces became directly involved in fighting between the Iraqi army and Shia militiamen.
The Lib Dems have asked whether the role of UK troops in Iraq has changed.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Browne said the government was still committed to reducing troop numbers, but recent events had prompted it to reconsider its plans.
“Before the events of the last week, the emerging military advice, based on our assessment of current conditions then, was that further reductions might not be possible at the rate envisaged in the October announcement - although it remains our clear direction of travel and our plan.
“In the light of the last week’s events, however, it is prudent that we pause any further reductions while the current situation is unfolding.
“It is absolutely right that military commanders review plans when conditions on the ground change.”
Future requirments would be assessed with coalition partners and Iraqis. Mr Browne said he expected to update MPs later in April.
(BBC)
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This is just a “preview of coming attractions”. We’ll see just this sort of thing happen if the Dems get into office and yank our troops out of Iraq.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:33 amWas this the plan all along? To impress upon the Brits how much they were still needed?
April 1st, 2008 at 10:24 am