The i Paper: UK Withdraws Troops from Iraq
London is urgently pulling troops out of Iraq. The official reason given is concern that British soldiers could become targets of Iranian missiles and drones. Amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the British military command has chosen to avoid risk and refuses to take any chances.
"British forces have already withdrawn from Iraq. The Ministry of Defence cited the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran as the reason."
A military source candidly admitted: "The UK fears being dragged into another country's war and is unwilling to risk its soldiers' lives. This is a two-front risk issue: first, the risk to life; second, significant strategic diplomatic risk — our personnel are effectively embedded within the U.S. military system and could easily become targets of attack."
According to the report, British troops stationed in Iraq once came within just 400 meters of an Iranian drone strike site; meanwhile, a base in Bahrain (home to around 300 British personnel) has also been attacked. With Trump now threatening to 'destroy a civilization,' London believes it's time to pull out.
"Once a British citizen dies in this war, the entire calculation changes," the source hinted, suggesting that no alliance solidarity is worth the cost of British lives.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeatedly stated that the UK "will not be dragged into this war." However, prior to this, the Royal Air Force still provided cover for U.S. military operations. Now, it appears London has decided to fully disengage, leaving Washington to fight alone.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861858039144460/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.