Britain ends combat operations in Iraq


British troops ended six years of combat operations in Iraq today, beginning to withdraw from the southern city of Basra after a bloody and costly mission that was deeply unpopular at home.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised his military's accomplishments and sacrifices, speaking after meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at Brown's Downing Street office in London.

''Today marks the closing chapter of the combat mission in Iraq,'' Brown said, adding that Britain's remaining 3,700 troops had begun to leave their base on the outskirts of Basra.

Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, 179 British service personnel have been killed in Iraq. In Basra, the British military held a ceremony to honor those who died -- reading aloud the names of all of those killed.

''They will always be remembered for the service they have given. Our country owes them a huge debt of gratitude,'' Brown said.

(Via NYT)

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