Posted on 10/31/2003 10:45:33 AM PST by JohnHuang2
UK troops return from Iraq saying Basra improved
DHEKELIA, Cyprus (Reuters) - Several hundred British troops returned to their home base in Cyprus in heavy rain Friday after a six-week tour of duty in Iraq that they believe left at least their part of the country in better shape.
A British military spokesman said the 325 troops, from the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry, would be replaced by a similar number from Britain and their return did not mark the start of a cut back in the 12,000 British troops in Iraq.
The troops were based in and around the southern Iraqi city of Basra, the main area controlled by British forces, guarding power lines, water pipes and other infrastructure.
"I believe it (Basra area) is a little bit more stable now. And if I can compare it to places like Bosnia and Kosovo, there is a lot more business and commerce going on. It is staggering," Lt. Col. Ted Shields told Reuters
The troops flew from Basra to Akrotiri, the main British airbase in Cyprus, and then traveled 65 miles by bus to reunite with loved ones in typical British weather -- the rain poured down -- at Britain's other base at Dhekelia.
10/31/03 13:39 ET
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