British soldiers ordered to Iraq (150 Fusiliers from Cyprus)

[Barrett808]

BRITISH BASES – FUSILIERS - IRAQ

One hundred and fifty British soldiers, based in Dhekelia, Cyprus, have been ordered to deploy on operations to southern Iraq, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Peter Merriman announced.

Speaking at a press conference, he said the troops, consisting of two rifle companies, will travel from Cyprus to Iraq this weekend and initially will come under the command of the Multi National Headquarters South East based in Basra.

The men are all from the Second Fusiliers and are likely to be employed on security related tasks. The exact duration of the deployment is unknown but is expected to last between 4 to 8 weeks.

http://www.cna.org.cy/website/english/announcedisplay2.asp?id=3

[mazzarro]

1. I guess the situation is not that stable anymore? -- n/t

[TomInTib]

2. What do you wanna bet it's because of this?...

Wasn't this OP yours, Barrett808?

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2006-04-12%5C150.htm

Iraq’s oil output shrinks as fuel shortages mount
By Abdulatif al-Mawsawi
Azzaman, April 12, 2006

Iraq’s oil production has shrunk to 1.8 million barrels a day, way below average output rates prior to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of the country.

Despite U.N. trade sanctions, Iraq was pumping more than 2.5 million barrels a day then with plans underway to boost output to nearly three million barrels by the end of 2003.

Oil Ministry sources, refusing to be named, said the Ministry’s efforts to boost output have failed with technicians even fearing further slumps in production.

Nearly 1.5 million barrels come from the southern fields which are almost earmarked for export.

But the sources said the region of Basra, where the producing oil fields are situated, was unstable and prone to an upsurge in violence with a bearing on the oil industry there.

They said violent attacks, some involving oil installations and workers, have increased recently

[xchrom]

3. i think that would be a good bet.

[Barrett808]

5. Good eye. Seems quite plausible. n/t

[951-Riverside]

4. Probably planning another Farce-peration

We go an Al Qaeda #... 3!!!!!!!