Britain ends Iraq combat operations

BRITISH forces have formally ended combat operations in Iraq, one month ahead of schedule, with a ceremony to remember their dead during six years of warfare.

The conclusion of the military campaign, which began with the war that toppled Saddam Hussein in March 2003, came as British prime minister Gordon Brown met his Iraqi counterpart Nuri al-Maliki in London.

“Today marks the closing chapter of the combat mission in Iraq,” Mr Brown said. “The flag of 20th Armoured Brigade will be lowered as British combat patrols in Basra come to an end and our armed forces prepare to draw down.