Across the World: United Kingdom

Iraq operation ends

British troops have ended six years of combat operations in Iraq, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced yesterday, praising his military's accomplishments and sacrifices. Brown spoke after meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at Brown's Downing Street office in London.

"Today marks the closing chapter of the combat mission in Iraq," Brown said. "The flag of 20 Armoured Brigade will be lowered as British combat patrols in Basra come to an end and our armed forces prepare to draw down."