UK troops may come under US command
The Government is considering redeploying British troops to an area south of Baghdad to cover for American soldiers that are battling insurgents elsewhere in Iraq.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that discussions about a possible redeployment were taking place, but stressed that a final decision has not yet been made.
Reports suggest that up to 650 British troops could be redeployed to an area near the Iraqi capital, freeing up more US soldiers to fight militants in rebel-held areas such as Falluja.
If the Government responds to the US request for backup, it will be the first time British troops have operated outside the Basra area of southern Iraq.
Opposition parties are pressing the Government to clarify its plans amid fears that placing British troops under US command could cause difficulties.
“If British soldiers did more in Iraq they should take a bigger role in planning operations and there must be careful coordination with U.S. forces,” said Conservative defence spokesman Nicholas Soames.
“The rules of engagement would have to be very clear because they may well be different to that which the regiment will have used in Basra,” he told the BBC, commenting on reports that Scottish troops from the Black Watch Regiment may be asked to extend their tour of duty as part of the operation.
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Paul Keetch warned that the public would not support a decision to place British forces under direct US control, given current disquiet about operations in Iraq.
“British forces should remain under direct British control within the British sector. Any change to this basic command structure should be brought before the House of Commons”, he said.
