BASRA, Iraq—Rockets slammed into the British base near the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Thursday, slightly wounding three British soldiers, a spokesman said. Iraq
British forces turned over control of Basra and the surrounding province late last year despite concerns about increased rivalries between Shiite militias that are engaged in a violent power struggle in the oil-rich area.
But the British maintain troops at a base at the airport outside the city who retain the ability to help Iraqi security forces if needed. Sporadic attacks against them continue, although the numbers have fallen dramatically since the handover, according to the military.
Capt. Finn Aldrich, a British military spokesman, said multiple rockets were apparently launched from the city, which is about 12 miles east of the airport, although he said the attack was still being investigated.
Three British soldiers were slightly hurt, but no major damage was reported on the base, Aldrich said.
"The only people that are suffering because of these attacks are the people of Basra," he said. "These attacks are delaying the development of Basra and the prosperity of the people. Without security and stability there will be limited foreign investment, investment that will speed up development of Basra."
Basra is Iraq's second-largest city, about 340 miles southeast of Baghdad.
