Bagdad, 31 March-(ANA)-British forces have begun their official withdrawal from Iraq after the UK's commander in the south of the country handed over to a US general.
Major General Andy Salmon has transferred authority for what will become Multi-National Division South to US Major General Michael Oates.
The generals' pennants were raised and lowered in a handover ceremony.
Most of Britain's 4,000 troops will leave by 31 May, the official end-of-combat date.
About 400 will stay after that, either in HQ roles or to train the Iraq Navy. (ANA)
