British announce months-long security operation in Basra

BAGHDAD (AFP) - British and Iraqi forces in Basra began Operation Sinbad, a several-month long attempt to restore security and rebuild the troubled southern port city, a British military spokesman said.

"We are attempting to increase the standard of living for the average Basrawi, by fixing street lights and clearing rubbish from the streets," said British military spokesman Major Charles Burbridge.

He added that other projects such as rebuilding hospitals, improving water supplies and providing school equipment would also be initiated under a security umbrella of British and Iraqi troops.

"The multinational forces are providing a concentrated security framework in order to allow the Iraqi forces to surge into the area and to provide reconstruction support for the Iraqi army engineers and Iraqi contractors," he added.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060927/wl_uk_afp/iraqbritainbasra

Haven't they been trying to do this all along? :shrug:

:shrug:

not to videotape any of the "good stuff" going on. :sarcasm:

BASRA, Iraq (AFP) - British troops were pouring into eastern Basra as part of Operation Sinbad to restore security and prosperity to Iraq's troubled second city and implement reconstruction projects.

Residents watched as soldiers in the formerly affluent neighborhood of Baradhiya cleaned up playgrounds and football pitches on Wednesday, fixed broken windows and painted schools, all under the watchful eye of British and Iraqi forces.

"We are attempting to increase the standard of living for the average Basrawi," said British military spokesman Major Charles Burbridge, adding the operation would stretch into early next year.

The cleanup will not only target the troubled port city's streets, but also its police force which has been infiltrated by Shiite militias.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060927/wl_mideast_afp/iraqbritainbasra_060927093921

'nuff said?