British troops quit Basra

British troops quit Basra, official says BRITISH troops have quit the city of Basra and handed control of their Basra Palace base to Iraqi troops, an Iraqi general says. "British troops began their withdrawal from Basra Palace at 11pm last night (5am today AEST)," said General Mohan Sahed, commander of Basra military operations. "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."