Top US officer praises Army's efforts in Basra city

A senior American officer has praised British soldiers for their work in southern Iraq, claiming that their "decisive" efforts has helped smash rogue militias.

Retired General Jack Keane, who serves on the US Policy Review Board, told reporters there had been a "stunning turnaround" in fortunes and said the troops deserved recognition. He had earlier been quoted in the media as saying there was a "general disengagement" by British forces in the region and that security on the ground was gradually deteriorating.

But speaking in Basra, he pointed out that British support for the Iraqi-led Operation Charge of the Knights had played a pivotal role in defeating the insurgents who had been in control in some areas of the city:

"It has been a stunning victory in such a short period of time," he said. "I was here in the third week of March of this year and the militia were pretty much in control of the city. Now the Iraqi security forces are in control. You can go any place in Basra, have complete freedom of movement and can do it safely."

Gen Keane praised soldiers of 7th Armoured Brigade - the Desert Rats - for their work with the Iraqis in Military Transition Teams. They had passed on invaluable knowledge and experience to the Iraqi soldiers they were mentoring, who were becoming a credible force in their own right:

"Working with the Iraqis side-by-side, providing advice and counsel and helping educate them about techniques and procedures we know work is a proven combination," he said.

"The British participation is not only helpful, it is decisive."

Gen Keane said he believed that the Iraqis had a strong senior commander in Gen Aziz, who was committed to ensuring enemy forces had no place to hide. His crackdown had hit the insurgents hard:

"The British military, the Iraqi forces and some of the US forces that are also participating in the operation deserve a tremendous amount of credit," Gen Keane concluded.