(MOD) New coalition command structure marks start of Iraq drawdown for UK Forces

The UK's six-year combat mission in Iraq begins to draw to a close today, with the re-drawing of the Coalition regional structure in the south of the country.

In a Written Ministerial Statement, Defence Secretary John Hutton MP today confirmed that the current structure of two multi-national areas, one controlled by the UK and one by the US, will be merged into a single area.

The new Division, known as Multi-National Division-South (MND-S), will be under the command of US Major General Michael Oates. The UK's General Officer Commanding, Major General Andy Salmon, who commanded the old Multi-National Division-South East, returns to Britain with his headquarters staff.

The change marks what British Forces describe as their Divisional Drawdown. The 4,100 UK personnel currently stationed in and around Basra will now be withdrawn, leaving behind just 400 by the end of July.

John Hutton said:

"Today's restructuring reflects the success of our armed forces, our Coalition partners and of the Iraqis themselves. The Iraqis are now firmly in control of their own security in Basra and it is this that allows us to begin the process of drawing down our forces from Iraq.

"The Iraqis have not reached this point on their own. Thousands of British servicemen and women have stood shoulder to shoulder with them during the past six years. Thanks to their shared commitment, sacrifice and resilience, Basra is now a much safer city with a bright economic future, which has put behind it the fear, misery and oppression endured under Saddam's regime. I am immensely proud of all that our people have achieved."