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29/04/2003
Two British soldiers return after Syrian detention
Two British soldiers who were being held by the Syrian government have been released today, following a visit by a Foreign Office official to Damascus.
The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq. It is thought that the pair had been part of a group that had been ambushed by Iraqi forces and who were then forced to escape across the border. They trekked for over 100-miles with Iraqi soldiers in hot pursuit.
It has also been reported today that US troops have killed around 15 people who were part of a group protesting against the US presence in Iraq. The killings occurred in the town of Falluja near Baghdad.
US troops in the area claimed that they were fired on by the crowd, but Iraqi civil leaders have rejected this.
Elsewhere, the US Defense Secretary has said that it is set to reduce its forces in the Gulf region.
Donald Rumsfeld said that it is not yet clear how forces will be deployed in the future, but it is certain that there will be withdrawals.
(GMcG)
The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq. It is thought that the pair had been part of a group that had been ambushed by Iraqi forces and who were then forced to escape across the border. They trekked for over 100-miles with Iraqi soldiers in hot pursuit.
It has also been reported today that US troops have killed around 15 people who were part of a group protesting against the US presence in Iraq. The killings occurred in the town of Falluja near Baghdad.
US troops in the area claimed that they were fired on by the crowd, but Iraqi civil leaders have rejected this.
Elsewhere, the US Defense Secretary has said that it is set to reduce its forces in the Gulf region.
Donald Rumsfeld said that it is not yet clear how forces will be deployed in the future, but it is certain that there will be withdrawals.
(GMcG)
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05 May 2004
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
07 April 2003
Desert Rats 'in Basrah to stay'
British troops have pushed into the heart of Iraq's second city and, according to the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, "they are now in Basrah to stay". The operation to infiltrate Basrah – a city of 1.5 million people – began on Saturday when the Desert Rats, supported by Irish Guardsmen, moved against Iraqi positions.
Desert Rats 'in Basrah to stay'
British troops have pushed into the heart of Iraq's second city and, according to the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, "they are now in Basrah to stay". The operation to infiltrate Basrah – a city of 1.5 million people – began on Saturday when the Desert Rats, supported by Irish Guardsmen, moved against Iraqi positions.
07 April 2003
Three soldiers killed during fighting in Basra
Three British soldiers have been reported killed in Iraq following two days of sustained fighting to secure Basra. With resistance described as "sporadic" within the city, the soldiers, two from the Irish Guards and one Royal Fusilier, were killed as UK forces sought to consolidate their hold over the southern Iraqi city.
Three soldiers killed during fighting in Basra
Three British soldiers have been reported killed in Iraq following two days of sustained fighting to secure Basra. With resistance described as "sporadic" within the city, the soldiers, two from the Irish Guards and one Royal Fusilier, were killed as UK forces sought to consolidate their hold over the southern Iraqi city.
28 September 2004
Two soldiers killed in southern Iraq
Two British soldiers have died following an ambush outside the town of Basra in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Soldiers came under fire as they tried to rescue others from an armoured Land Rover which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade at around 0615BST.
Two soldiers killed in southern Iraq
Two British soldiers have died following an ambush outside the town of Basra in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Soldiers came under fire as they tried to rescue others from an armoured Land Rover which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade at around 0615BST.
14 November 2003
UN calls for calm after Afghan car bomb
The UN has called on the Afghan government to "provide more security" for its operations following a car explosion on Tuesday night outside UN offices in the southern city of Kandahar. The Security Council in New York also condemned the attack, which injured a UN guard and a passing Afghan student.
UN calls for calm after Afghan car bomb
The UN has called on the Afghan government to "provide more security" for its operations following a car explosion on Tuesday night outside UN offices in the southern city of Kandahar. The Security Council in New York also condemned the attack, which injured a UN guard and a passing Afghan student.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
