12/03/2008

Defence Secretary On Surprise Iraq Visit

Defence Secretary Des Browne has arrived in Basra for a surprise visit to British troops, it has been confirmed.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mr Browne had arrived in Iraq on a "general visit", but have not revealed how long the Defence Secretary will be staying in the country.

There are currently around 4,000 British troops in Iraq, based at Basra Air Station in the south of the country. Control of the city was handed over to the Iraqi government in December and troop numbers are planned to be reduced to 2,500 in the spring, subject to military guidance.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited troops in Basra last November.

(KMcA)


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