British forces begin withdrawal from Iraq

Basra: British forces on Tuesday launch their official withdrawal from Iraq, with the British-led coalition base in Basra lowering its flag and transfering Iraq to US control.

Britain, under then prime minister Tony Blair, was America's key ally when president George W. Bush ordered his forces to invade Iraq.

A deal signed by Baghdad and London last year agreed that the last 4,100 British soldiers would complete their mission - primarily training the Iraqi army - by June.

A complete withdrawal is expected in late July.