BBC inspects US and UK military bases in Iraq, ceasefire continues

The BBC has been granted access to a military base in Iraq where British troops have been working with US troops during the conflict in the region.

As many as 28 drones were fired at the base every day before the ceasefire was announced by the United States in an extended but fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.

An RAF air expert at the base told BBC defense correspondent Jonathan Beale: “You hear weapons of destruction exploding all around you and it’s really difficult.”

Long before the war with Iran broke out, British and American troops fought side by side at this military base – fighting the Islamic State group.

Sharp disagreements over the Iran war have undoubtedly strained transatlantic relations. But on this basis, the two are still connected.

Armed Forces Secretary Al Kearns said close cooperation between the two militaries was “a message that needs to be elevated.” Kearns said that since the conflict began, “we have helped Americans get out of harm’s way; we have helped protect them and they have helped protect us”, although he stressed that British forces were in a “defensive posture”.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smith said he met with the base’s US commander, who had “effusive praise” for British troops. “I think our relationship is as strong as ever and this operation brings us even closer,” he said.

But that’s certainly not reflected in the language between Washington and Westminster.