Posted on 09/19/2005 1:23:25 PM PDT by jmc1969
BASRA, Iraq (AP) - British forces using tanks broke down the walls of the central jail in the southern city of Basra late Monday and freed two Britons, allegedly undercover commandos, who had been arrested on charges of shooting two Iraqi policemen.
Witnesses said about 150 Iraqi prisoners also fled the jail.
Violence flared earlier in the day as demonstrators hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at British tanks; at least four people were killed.
The fighting erupted after British armor encircled the jail where the two Britons were being held. During the melee one soldier could be seen scrambling for his life from a burning tank and the rock-throwing mob.
"What I'm saying is that when armed soldiers dressed in civvies get caught in a warzone"
Which would of course be correct if we were in a legal warzone. If they were in a legal warzone and a 'high contracting party' as per the definition of the Geneva Protocols, then to galavant round without uniform would be very, very troublesome for their prospects. However, Basra may be a warzone - but not legally (in so far as the British are not at War, or combatants with the soveriegn powers in Iraq). The British are there at the invititation of the elected Iraqi governement. Our intelligence services operate with the blessing of the Iraqi goverment. It seems that the local police don't grasp this (and to be frank if we accidently took out an innocent copper thinking he was an insurgent you can kind of see why they are pissed). However, if you want to see British restraint in the face of hostility look at the film of the warrior under attack by the mob. If I was driving I probably would have cretead 100 martyrs by ploughing through the crowd to make my escape or letting rip with the main weapon. The guys involved though put themselves at staggering risk to avoid any futher escallation. I hope the guy pictured on fire is going to be ok.
Aren't you funny.
One...
No argument with you on the restraint by the rescuers.
But, your explanation about the legal warzones and all.
If it takes a lawyer to understand the situation, then....
As I said, you are right. He doesn't have to, but I'll keep asking.
I agree with the Brits move on this. The british military is closer to the US than
many know. It doesnt matter about the ravenous left here in the US or over there in the UK, the two militaries share classified intel and military info and logistics on a daily basis. Our economies are intertwined and we are bound together by history and language. Hence the "special relationship" term that is tossed around when the UK/US act in unison on something. Alot of the civilians just dont know how interweaved the two countries are and it would probably piss them off if they did.
I dont blame the brits from rescuing their brothers in arms from the islamic fools. Go Brits the US is always with you.
Watch out...Dog doesn't want you to ask this guy any questions.
Yep, I'll defend the Brit soldiers (any coalition soldier for that matter) as hard as I'll defend ours.
Anyone that calls them "scum" is looking for trouble.
Yes, I noticed he does seem rather keen on defending the traitor.
Hey, protestputz, you called DHS yet? or the FBI. I'm right here. The traitor, remember. My, aren't we touchy. But girlymen are like that. So sensitive. Did I hurt ya FEEEEELINGS? oh, poor baby.
And what's this badmouthing Dog without pinging him.
May he pee on your feet.
Yes I was keen on defending an FRiend....what the hell is wrong with that.
Another putz heard from..
I dont understand what your aggression is over. I am in the US Air Force and have nothing but love for my british counterparts. We work very closly together and if need be alot of american service men would die for the british soldiers just like our own. I dont trust the islamic fanatics to render a just verdict on any western person be it military or civilian. The brits did the right thing getting their people out. Leave no man behind boys.
"may he pee on your feet"
Is that some kind of Islamic insult? I know they do have this thing about insults and feet.
Your comments in post 22 were traitorous. Live with it, don't bother to act all outraged.
It puts you on the wrong side.
>>I dont trust the islamic fanatics to render a just verdict on any western person be it military or civilian.
This was a prison run by the official Iraq authorities.
If it was run by jihadis then why did the Britishers allow it to exist.
And why the awful rush to break down walls to rescue them.
If what they were doing was aboveboard, then why destroy the prison.
So, in effect, we have put people in power whom we don't trust.
Nice going.
And what kind of person are you to allow a "traitor" like me to run around without notifying the authorities.
Want the FBI's number, O Chief Inquisitor.
The 150 prisioners claim is being rescinded by the Iraqi's
They don't have to be SAS. UK forces use a lot of servicemen and women employed on special duties. They are neither badged SAS/SBS. They are purely volunteers and receive extra pay after completing training.
Of course the SAS 'Officially exists'. They have regimental barracks labelled just as that and are an integral part of UK forces.
Why does everyone immediately jump to the conclusion that they are SAS? UK forces have been employing servicemen and women on special duties since the heady days of Northern Ireland. They are all volunteers, receive special training and are on higher rates of pay. They retain their orignial service cap badges and are not part of the SAS or SBS.
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