JOINT OPERATION BETWEEN IRAQI AND BRITISH SECURITY FORCES.

(From Government News Network (Was Hermes-Government Press Releases))

] MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 1 January 2006 JOINT OPERATION BETWEEN IRAQI AND BRITISH SECURITY FORCES SEES IN THE NEW YEAR

Headquarters Multi National Division South East British Forces Post Office 641

COMBAT CAMERA TEAM BASRA PRESS INFORMATION CENTRE

British troops from the 1st Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and Iraqi Police Service personnel, saw in the New Year together on a large scale joint operation in Basra last night. Direct action taken by the Iraqi Police meant that few incidents were reported on New Year's Eve and the operation was hailed as a great success.

As the end of 2005 - a landmark year for the Iraqi people in many ways - drew to a close, joint patrols criss-crossed the city, intent on disrupting the movements of terrorists and criminals. Deterring them from attacking peaceful citizens of Basra, vehicle check points were set up and British Warrior armoured vehicles were deployed in large numbers, in an overwhelming show of strength.

Major John Stott, the commander of 'Zulu' Company of the Highlanders battle group, based at the Old State Building in Basra declared that the operation was primarily concerned with allowing the people of Basra to move about freely.