British troops officially end combat operation in southern Iraq

[FarCenter]

The last British army patrol around Iraq's second city returned to the base and a defence official confirmed: "The role of British ground forces is finished."

Britain's combat role – including patrolling the city of Basra – was originally due to end on 31 July but was brought forward as the prime minister, Gordon Brown, said Britain and Iraq had begun a "long-term partnership of equals".

Speaking after talks in Downing Street with his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri al-Maliki, Brown said: "Today marks the closing chapter of the combat mission in Iraq. The flag of 20 Armoured Brigade will be lowered as British combat patrols in Basra come to an end and our armed forces prepare to draw down."

<snip> http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/30/british-troops-end-combat-role-basra

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So how many are left in the "coalition"?