UK to cut Iraq troops only if conditions allow - defence minister
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Apr 24, IRNA
UK-Iraq-Troops
British troop numbers in Iraq will be further reduced only "if conditions allow," Defence Secretary Des Browne said Thursday.
"While the situation on the ground continues to evolve rapidly, and while military commanders continue to assess the changing environment in Basra, it remains prudent that we take time to fully consider further reductions," Browne said.
Earlier this month, the UK government put plans to further reduce troops numbers based at Basra airport from 4,000 to 2,500 this spring on hold, following unrest in Iraq's biggest city.
The defence secretary told parliament that British forces are focusing on training and mentoring an Iraqi army division in Basra but which he said was still "months away from becoming fully operational."
"Force levels will be kept under review and we will look to make further reductions over the course of the Telic 12 deployment if conditions allow and on the advice of commanders on the ground," he said.
Browne insisted that Iraqi forces had established control over "large parts" of Basra and all key routes in and out, and were removing "significant numbers" of illegal weapons.
"The focus of UK forces is on completing the task of training and mentoring 14th (Iraqi Army) Division in Basra so that it develops into an effective force, able to ensure security without the need for our assistance," he said.
"14 Division is still months away from becoming fully operational.
We will continue to ensure that our support is tailored as effectively as possible to meeting its needs," MPs were told.
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