NI troop withdrawal plan announced

The government has today revealed that the number of troops in the province will be cut from 9,000 to 5,000 by August 1 2007.

The number of remaining military sites will also be reduced from 40 to 14, over the next year.

It is also understood that more army watchtowers are to be demolished as a part of the government's plans to return Northern Ireland to a state of normalisation.

The reduction in troops will mark the end of Operation Banner, the longest running operation in British history, in which the army provided backup to the police force during the 35 years of the Troubles.

The operation will officially come to an end on August 1, when Army presence in the province is cut.

Earlier today, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram announced that over the next 16 months, the five remaining watchtowers in south Armagh will be demolished and the Army would be withdrawn from most police stations where they still have a presence, including Crossmaglen.

It will also see the closure of Mahon Road barracks in Portadown from January, which was used as a base for the security forces during the Drumcree standoffs.

Other significant bases being closed as part of the process include Bessbrook Mill in south Armagh.

(EF/SP)