UK troops preparing for handover of Basra

UK troops stationed in the south of Iraq are preparing to handover control of the city Basra to Iraqi forces. It will mean the main priorities of the UK troops will be to train Iraqi forces to defend themselves from insurgents. The handover is expected within hours.

There has been doubts in the strength of the Iraqi authorities to control the violence especially in the Police force which is said to be rife with corruption. Just recently the main Police station in Basra was overrun by Mahdi Army militiamen apparently trying to free one of their prisoners.

The remaining UK troops in the south of Iraq are stationed in the airport outside of Basra and will only fight if attacked by insurgents or if the Iraqi forces require assistance.