UK troops 'withdrawing from base' - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

UK troops 'withdrawing from base'

British troops are withdrawing from their base in Basra Palace to the city's airport, it has been reportedt.

There was no immediate official confirmation that the operation to move the last 550 UK forces left in the centre of the city was under way.

But a military spokesman in Basra, Major Mike Shearer, said: "I can confirm that an operation is ongoing, but we will not give any further details."

Government sources in London also confirmed the operation was under way after the BBC began reporting the move.

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