Iraqi forces taking lead in Basra

[unhappycamper]

Iraqi forces taking lead in Basra
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, February 3, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. troops will not have to replace British troops, who are expected to leave southern Iraq later this year, said British Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon on Monday.

Salmon’s comments come after the top U.S. commander in Iraq said last month that he was considering sending U.S. troops to Basra to replace the British.

Army Gen. Ray Odierno said in December that he might move a brigade or division headquarters to Basra followed by an undetermined number of combat troops, according to The Associated Press.

"We think it’s important to maintain some presence down here just because we think Basra is an important city, and we think it’s important to have some oversight here," he said.

Multi-National Force–Iraq was unable to say by deadline Monday whether Odierno had changed his mind.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60430