Eight years later: UK’s Iraq operation finally ends
The final withdrawal of British forces from Iraq takes place today – eight years after UK service personnel entered the country.
Operation TELIC, the Ministry of Defence’s name for operations in Iraq which began with the ousting of Saddam Hussein – is concluding today.
UK combat forces based in Basra withdrew from Iraq in July 2009, but they left behind a small number of Royal Navy personnel to train and mentor Iraqi sailors and marines at the Iraqi naval base in Umm Qasr.
The UK/Iraq training and maritime support agreement ends today, following the training of 1,800 Iraqi personnel on courses including maritime, small arms, oil platform defence and maintenance training.
Defence secretary Liam Fox said Iraq’s navy was now ready to take over responsibility for protecting its oil platforms in territorial waters which have historically prompted tensions with neighbouring Iran.
“This is also an opportunity to reflect on the wider contribution of Britain’s armed forces to Iraq since 2003,” he added.
“Thanks to the sacrifice, commitment, and professionalism of thousands of British service men and women southern Iraq is an area transformed from the dangerous and oppressed place it was under Saddam Hussein and in the aftermath of his removal.
“We now look forward to a strong, long-term defence relationship with Iraq. The UK remains committed to a broad bilateral relationship with close links across a range of areas including the economy, commerce, defence, culture and education.”
Operation TELIC saw 179 British service personnel lose their lives – compared to 365 who have been killed in Afghanistan so far.
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