British troops withdraw from Basra city

British troops have quit the city of Basra and handed control of their Basra Palace base to Iraqi troops, an Iraqi general said on Monday.

8220;British toops began their withdrawal from Basra Palace at 11 pm 1900 GMT last night,8221; said Geneal Mohan Sahed, commander of Basra mlitary operations.

8220;The Iraqi army has now taken over responsibility and the area is off-limits. No one can approach except those who are authorised until the prime minister issues a statement about the status of the palace,8221; he said.