Troops ready for Basra handover (From Warrington Guardian)

Troops ready for Basra handover

SOLDIERS in the Cheshire regiment are working hard towards the handover of power in Iraq despite difficult conditions, says their commanding officer.

In an open letter Lt Col John Donnelly said his troops, many from Runcorn and Widnes, had shown the 'utmost professionalism, compassion and restraint'.

He wrote: "Unfortunately, there are elements who do not wish to see the situation improve.

"In particular, on May 8, a sizeable number of militia loyal to Moqtada al Sadr attempted to destabilise the situation within Basra.

"For most of the morning and early afternoon the soldiers of the regiment were involved in a number of violent clashes with these militia. In a situation which had the capacity to escalate dramatically, the controlled application of force and the restraint and steadiness shown by our soldiers returned the city to a state of watchful peace by mid afternoon."

Lt Col Donnelly says at the moment people in the city are 'surprisingly forthcoming and always willing to talk' as the regiment works hard to ensure the consent of the population.

He added: "Our soldiers have risen to the challenge so far, no doubt future challenges will be met with the down to earth attitude and sense of humour that are the traits of the Cheshire soldier."

On July 1, the Iraqi police service will take responsibility for security and the troops will come home in November.