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Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Answer

Within Baghdad, the Senior British Military Representative and Deputy Commanding General Multi-National Forces-Iraq is under operational command of the UK's Chief of Joint Operations, working within the US command chain to fulfil the duties implicit in his coalition appointment. The Senior British Military Representative-Iraq has operational control of all UK staff officers embedded in the Multi-National Force-Iraq structure and delegate's tactical command of these individuals as appropriate.A number of UK forces in Baghdad are assigned to the NATO Training Mission -Iraq, where fully embedded UK staff officers are under operational command of NATO and a UK infantry platoon providing force protection at the Iraqi Military Academy is under the operational control of the Senior British Military Representative Iraq and tactical command of NATO. All UK staff assigned to the NATO Training Mission are under administrative control of NATO for routine life support.Within southern Iraq the UK currently has command of Coalition Task Force Iraqi Maritime which overseas the protection of the Iraqi offshore oil platforms and maintenance of the security of Iraqi Territorial Waters.UK forces who remain on the Contingency Operating Base in Basra are under the operational control of the UK's Joint Force Logistics Commander, for the purposes of withdrawal. While no formal command and control relationships exist between these individuals and hosting US Forces, the US are responsible for their security and life support.The Prime Minister set out our future plans for Iraq in the House on 15 June 2009, Official Report, column 22. Permissions for UK operational and training activities in Iraq expired on 31 May and we have paused in our support to the Iraqi military.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

494 c901-2W; 279967

Session

2008-09

Subjects

Iraq Peacekeeping operations

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk