British troops in Iraq could begin withdrawal in early 2009

London: British troops could begin leaving Iraq in early 2009 because of “significant progress'' being made in security improvements, the government said on Wednesday.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said progress in Basra, where the 4,100 UK trips are mainly based, would allow for "a fundamental change of mission in early 2009".

British newspapers reported earlier on Wednesday that UK troops would begin the pullout by 2009, with only a few troops remaining by mid-2009. US troops will replace Britain's 4100-strong force in the warzone, the papers quoted an unnamed defence official as saying.

The spokeswoman would not confirm or deny the specific date of March 2009 cited in British newspaper reports as the start date for the final pullout, but said:

“Our position remains that we will judge it on military advice at the time, but there has been significant progress."

The Guardian newspaper said the withdrawal would start in March, and last troops would leave Basra in June.

The Times reported that plans were now well advanced for the withdrawal of the troops even though a so-called "status of forces" agreement had yet to be reached with the Iraqi government.

The paper added that special forces units operating from Baghdad were expected to be transferred to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban.

However, the plan depends on security conditions in southern Iraq as there is a threat of possible violence during provincial elections due to be held on January 31, The Times said.