Basra remains in the grip of the militias and criminal gangs, with “serious questions” over the true allegiances of many police officers
December 3, 2007 7:49 am BasraUK leaving Iraq insecure, MPs warn, Guardian Unlimited, December 3, 2007
British troops are set to hand over control of Basra to Iraqi forces with their original goal of establishing security in the city unfulfilled, MPs have warned.
As UK forces prepare for the formal transition later this month, the Commons Defence Committee painted a bleak picture of the legacy they leave behind.
Violence against civilians was undiminished as the city remained in the grip of the militias and criminal gangs, with “serious questions” over the true allegiances of many police officers. While the Iraqi army had made “significant progress”, the committee said it still needed back-up support from the British - particularly logistics and intelligence - to operate effectively.
At the same time, the committee questioned the continued viability of the remaining British force, based outside the city itself at Basra Air Station, once its numbers are halved to 2,500 from next spring.
“If there is still a role for UK forces in Iraq, those forces must be capable of doing more than just protecting themselves at Basra Air Station,” the report said.