(MOD) UK ends combat mission in Iraq

After a commitment lasting more than six years, British Forces have successfully completed their combat mission in Basra and will now start leaving southern Iraq.

Today, forces stationed at the Contingency Operating Base (COB) outside Basra were joined by Defence Secretary John Hutton MP for a day of reflection on the mission, commemoration of their losses, and celebration of British achievements in Iraq since Operation TELIC was launched in 2003.

Having already drawn down the Divisional Headquarters a month ago, UK forces now begin their final withdrawal, handing over the Coalition brigade command in a move which marks the transition from a combat mission to a close and enduring bilateral relationship with Iraq.

John Hutton said:

"The past six years have seen a heavy price paid: 179 brave people have died in the service of their country on Operation Telic. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten, and that is why it was a privilege to attend the final, poignant service of commemoration in Basra.

"But Iraq's progress over the six years, no matter how uneven or uncertain it may have appeared at times, shows that their sacrifice has not been in vain. Following the peaceful elections in January, Basra has a new democratically-elected and representative Provincial Council. Protected by the Iraqi Security Forces we have trained, the city finally has the chance to achieve its full potential.

"Over six challenging years, British forces have helped to set Basra on the path towards enduring stability and economic growth. They have supported reconstruction, set the airport on the path to international accreditation and helped to develop the port facilities at Umm Qasr. Basra is a better place for our men and women being there and I pay tribute to all of them."

The last day of the British mission was marked today by two main events on the COB. Following the memorial service, Mr Hutton attended the formal "transfer of authority" ceremony. The service took place at Basra's Memorial Wall, which will soon be dismantled and replicated at the National Memorial Arboretum in the UK. The Defence Secretary also met members of 20th Armoured Brigade now preparing to leave Iraq, as well as some of the Royal Navy personnel who will be staying behind to continue to train the Iraqi Navy.

The UK's future relationship with Iraq will be one of partnership. We are currently discussing the precise scope of our future military activity with the Government of Iraq, but up to 400 UK military personnel are likely to remain in Iraq after July. They will continue to provide specialist training and mentoring support to Iraqi forces, leading the development of the Iraqi Navy and playing a key role in military officer training.

With the Iraqis now firmly in the lead on security, UK Government support can now focus on helping the Iraqi Government to stimulate its economy and fulfil its potential as a resource-rich sovereign nation.

Brigadier Tom Beckett, commander of 20th Armoured Brigade, said:

"Today marks the end of the UK's combat mission in support of the government of Iraq, but it does not mark the end of the UK's relationship with Iraq.

"We are sad to leave our Iraqi friends, but we leave knowing we have done our job, and done it well. We leave with our heads held high.

"We know we leave the security of Basra province in safe and capable hands. Trained by the UK, 14th Iraqi Division is a professional counter-insurgency division. It has strong leaders, strength in depth in its junior ranks, and brave and dedicated soldiers."