Beginning Of The End For UK Troops In Basra

Britain has formally handed over Basra to US troops, marking the start of the withdrawal from the UK's most contentious war for half a century. UK Maj Gen Andy Salmon has now relinquished command to American Maj Gen Michael Oates, who heads up the new Multi National Division South.The ceremonial lowering of the divisional flag signalled the end to British control of their Basra base, six years after the invasion.Gen Salmon and his headquarters staff will start packing to leave Iraq in the next 48 hours.Over the coming four months, almost all of Britain’s remaining contingent will follow.Where UK forces took the lead in battling insurgents, the few left will concentrate on training and mentoring Iraqi units.Streets that once saw some of the fiercest rebellion, with British soldiers and armoured vehicles under regular attack, are left in the control of the Iraqi government.Security is provided by local troops and police.