British forces have relocated to the Basra airport, leaving Iraq’s No. 2 city in the hands of Iraqis for the first time since the invasion. For many locals, it was a welcome withdrawal: “We are pleased that the Iraqi army are now taking over the situation. We as an Iraqi people reject occupation. We reject colonialism. We want our freedom,” one resident told the AP.


AP via LA Times:

Iraqi soldiers hoisted the nation’s flag over the Basra palace compound today after British troops withdrew from their last garrison in the city, a move that will hand control to an Iraqi force riddled with Shiite militiamen.

A British statement said the operation began at 10 p.m. Sunday “with all British troops arriving at the airport by midday” today.

“There were no clashes or attacks on British forces during the operation. The formal handing-over of the Palaces will happen in the near future,” British spokesman Maj. Matthew Bird said.

Read more

WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG