Irak

[Rob]

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UK sending more troops to Iraq
A British officer near Basra
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced an increase of about 370 British troops in Iraq, bringing the total to 8,400.
Mr Hoon gave details of adjustments to numbers of troops in the area of southern Iraq under British control.
The changes are being made at the request of commanders on the ground.
No decision has been taken on sending more troops to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of forces from Spain, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
In a statement to MPs Mr Hoon said the 1st Battalion the Black Watch, trained in operating out of Warrior personnel carriers, would replace the 1 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders when their tour of duty ends in July.