BASRA, Iraq - Iraqi soldiers have raised their flag above a British base in the southern city of Basra as they prepare to take responsibility for security in the area, the military said on Monday. Elements of the 10th Division of the Iraqi Army have joined their British colleagues from the Staffordshire Regiment in the Shatt Al Arab Hotel, a town centre stronghold which comes under frequent militia mortar attack.In the coming weeks and months British troops are to pull out of two bases inside Basra and a logistics centre outside the city, in order to concentrate their force at a single compound at Basra airport. British troops will also continue to protect the consulate located in central Basra.
‘The first elements of the Iraqi Army’s 10th Diviiosn moved in the middle of least week. There is an Iraqi flag flying over the Shatt Al Arab hotel,’ British army spokesman Major David Gell said. ‘This is another important step for the Iraqi army as they develop their capabilities and gradually take more responsibility for their own security.
‘It is pleasing that the move went so smoothly and offers encouraging signs for the future as everybody continues down the road towards Iraqi self reliance,’ he added.