Defence Secretary Des Browne meets troops from the 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets
Posted on 02/04/2007 8:41:52 AM PST by SandRat
Mr. Browne began his visit to Iraq with a series of meetings in the capital Baghdad. He then landed in Basra where he paid tribute to the work of British troops involved in Operation Sinbad, a successful joint Multi National Forces and Iraqi Army reconstruction programme.
So far the operation has helped regenerate key infrastructure and civic services in Basra City whilst also providing valuable mentoring for the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police Service.
Speaking during his visit, Mr. Browne said:
“Every time I visit Iraq, and this is the fourth time I have been here, I am struck by the progress the Iraqi Government is making.
“Of course there remain serious challenges, especially in Baghdad. However, after meeting with senior Iraqi and US officials, I am confident that the Coalition is helping the Iraqi authorities to deal with them.
“In Basra, in particular, I have met many of our own brave and dedicated people. I am pleased with the early assessments of Operation Sinbad and the positive effect it has had on this city and its people.”
“It is good to hear that Bulldog is working well, and everybody who worked so hard to get it here in quick time deserves praise.”
There was also time to visit soldiers from the Military Training Team (MiTT) - responsible for training Iraqi soldiers from 10 Division, Iraqi Army in Basra, southern Iraq.
The British soldiers instruct Iraqi soldiers on subjects such as weapon handling skills, range firing, house clearance and searching so that they can be successfully employed when working alongside British Troops on operations in southern Iraq.
Mr Browne saw Iraqi troops going through some of this training during his visit to Shiabah Logistics Base (SLB).
Finally, Mr Browne was able to join the troops for an evening meal in one of the cookhouses in Basra Air Station. The meal was shared with soldiers from 19 Light Brigade who are currently serving in southern Iraq.
He then visited the Field Hospital at Basra Air Station where he had the opportunity to meet staff and patients in the hospital and was briefed on the role of the Field Hospital and the support available from the hospital.
Operation Sinbad has seen a total of $77 million invested in the Basra area.
This includes the laying of new water pipes, improved distribution of electricity to tens of thousands of people, the provision of equipment to schools, the planting of 70,000 date palms and the creation of more than 20,000 short to medium term job opportunities.
Day to day control of Operation Sinbad has now been handed over to the Iraqi authorities, with Multi National Forces providing a supporting role where required to ensure projects are completed.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.