By NNN-KUNA
London : The security situation in southern Iraq is “deteriorating” and there is “general disengagement” by the British military in Basra, a US general said.
General Jack Keane, who has just returned from Iraq, said in a BBC radio interview Wednesday that there was “frustration” among commanders who wanted to avoid having to fill any vacuum left by British soldiers if they withdrew.
General Keane, who is an architect of the US surge policy, claimed Britain had never had enough forces to “truly protect” civilians and that gangland warfare was preying on their lives.
Speaking about the security situation in Basra, General Keane added, “I think it has been gradually deteriorating, with almost gangland warfare and the lack of ability of the police to control that level of violence, so the situation is gradually getting worse.”
Asked about the consequences of Britain withdrawing its remaining contingent of around 5,500 troops, he replied, “The situation will continue to deteriorate.”
“From a military perspective I know what the commanders are trying to avoid is having to send reinforcements to the south from forces that are needed in the central part of Iraq.
“That situation could arise if the situation gets worse in Basra if and when British troops leave.
“Now the situation has changed in the south, it is considerably worse, certainly with the kind of gangland warfare that is preying on the people in the south,” he said.
Asked for his view on the British military’s commitment in Iraq, he said, “I think there is a general disengagement from what the key issues are around Basra. I would imagine that is where the source of frustration is.”
“The Brits have never had enough troops to truly protect the population and we have found that out painfully in the central region as well.” He said the US political leadership was facing up to the fact that it needed to expand the number of ground troops it had in its military.
“I think the same thing applies to the proud and distinguished British Army, it needs to grow in size to help assist in maintaining security as the situation in the 21st century begin to evolve and challenge the West.”
Last week, the head of the British Army General Sir Richard Dannatt said forces were “certainly stretched.” His comments have been interpreted by some observers as adding further pressure on British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to cut Britain’s commitment in Iraq to allow more soldiers to be sent to Afghanistan.
The British Ministry of Defence is reportedly considering a major reinforcement of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, possibly sending up to 2,000 extra troops.
General Keane’s remarks are the latest in a series of critical comments made recently by US officials, many anonymously, about Britain’s commitment to Iraq.