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UK troops storm Iraqi police HQ UK troops storm Iraqi police HQ
(about 1 hour later)
More than 1,000 UK troops have stormed the headquarters of an Iraqi police unit, fearing 178 prisoners would be killed, a military spokesman has said. More than 1,000 UK troops have stormed the headquarters of an Iraqi police unit to rescue 178 prisoners, dozens of whom they had feared would be killed.
Hundreds of forces stormed and have demolished the Jamiat which was the Serious Crimes Unit's HQ in the city. The forces demolished the Jamiat police station, which was the Serious Crimes Unit's base in the city.
A military spokesman said the intention was to disrupt and dismantle the unit, blamed for committing serious crimes. Spokesman Major Charlie Burbridge said the unit, suspected of serious crimes and murder, had been disbanded.
Seven Iraqi officers were arrested on Friday suspected of corruption and leading a death squad at the unit.Seven Iraqi officers were arrested on Friday suspected of corruption and leading a death squad at the unit.
Medical assessments Grenade attack
The spokesman said the latest raid was a continuation of an operation begun earlier this month against the unit. Maj Burbridge said the assault, which took place at about 0200 local time, was a "very significant move".
We've removed a very significant and nasty part of the police force Maj Charlie Burbridge
"For some time we've been talking about culling the police force, well this is exactly what we've done," he said.
"We've removed a very significant and nasty part of the police force which has been scaring people in Basra, and ultimately it's going to make Basra a better place."
He said the unit had been involved in the murders of both locals and international troops.
Forces came under initial small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade attack before moving in to set up explosives to destroy the building, he added.
Helicopter support
The British forces' Cpt Tane Dunlop said the troops carried out medical assessments of detainees at the building before transferring them to another police station.The British forces' Cpt Tane Dunlop said the troops carried out medical assessments of detainees at the building before transferring them to another police station.
BBC correspondent Huw Williams in Basra said more than 1,000 troops with full support from helicopters and heavy armour moved in early on Monday morning. BBC correspondent Huw Williams in Basra said the troops had full support from helicopters and heavy armour.
The raid was a continuation of an operation begun earlier this month against the unit.
The UK has 7,200 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly in the Basra area.The UK has 7,200 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly in the Basra area.
Basra, Iraq's second biggest city, remains dangerous with Shiite, factions battling each other for control. Basra, Iraq's second biggest city, remains dangerous with Shia factions battling each other for control.