Denmark to pull troops from Iraq

Denmark will withdraw its troops from Iraq by August, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.

The troops, numbering about 460, will be replaced by a unit of about 50 soldiers manning four observational helicopters, he said.

It comes as Tony Blair announced a timetable for reducing British troop numbers in Iraq from 7,100 to 5,500.

Most Danish troops are based in the southern city of Basra, where they operate under British command.

The mandate for Danish troops to serve in Iraq is due to expire in June.

Waning public support

Mr Rasmussen said the decision to pull out was taken after consultation with the Iraqi government and the British.

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