Via the BBC: UK troops return Basra to Iraqis

British troops have transferred control of Basra province to the Iraqi authorities, four-and-a-half years after the invasion.

The handover marks a significant milestone towards Britain’s final withdrawal from southern Iraq.

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In a ceremony at Basra airport, British and Iraqi representatives signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise the handover.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who was present, said Britain would remain a “committed friend” to Iraq.

It will be interesting to see how politics develop in the region once all outside sources of security are gone.

This will not yet mark the full withdrawal of the UK from Iraq, but will further diminish their role:

The 4,500 British troops still in Iraq will now take a backseat role, focusing on training Iraqi forces.

Speaking after the handover ceremony, Mr Miliband indicated there could be a decision on further British troop reductions within months.

He said: “The prime minister made clear that, by March of next year, by the spring of next year, there will be about 2,500 British troops. We will have to make a decision then about the future.”