Iraqi Department Of Border Enforcement Opens

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Jannine Hartmann | Maj. Gen. Barney White-Spunner CBE, the general officer commanding Multi-National Division was interviewed by the Iraqi media at the opening of the British funded new headquarters for the Department of Boarder Enforcement Basra, Iraq, on August 4, 2008. All the departments of the boarder enforcement paraded and put on displays for VIPs and local officials attending the event. Maj. Gen. Adel of the Provicial Department of Police, Maj. Gen. BWB White-Spunner CBE, the general officer commanding Multi-National Division and the Provincial Chairman Mr. Ghali were but a few to watch the parade followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the headquarters. British armoured forces personnel numbering 4,100 are currently deployed on Op TELIC 12. Troops are engaged with Iraqi security forces in Basra province acting as Military Transition Teams. The MiTTs are part of 7th Armoured Brigade based in Germany.  

BASRA, IRAQ

08.04.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division-South East Public Affairs

By the Multi-National Division South East PAO

BASRA, Iraq – The Headquarters for the Department of Border Enforcement opened, Aug. 4, 2008, in Basrah province amid a ceremony attended by both Iraqi and British dignitaries.

The British funded headquarters will provide accommodation and administrative facilities for the border guards based there. The troops are responsible for the security of the Iraqi border in both Maysan and Basrah provinces and play a vital role ensuring Iraq's continued progress.

Maj. Gen. Barney White-Spunner CBE, the Multi National Division-South East commander, stressed the importance of the DBE to the border Iraq shares with Iran.

"The past months have seen huge advances in the security and peace of Basrah. But, as the Iraqi army and police consolidate the security of Basrah from within, it is the DBE that will secure it against threats from outside," he said. "This headquarters is a fitting and enduring contribution from us to you, and I wish those officers who work in it every success as they protect their country's frontiers."

Spectators included local dignitaries from the Provincial Council and senior officers from both the Iraqi and British armed forces in addition to other members of the Iraqi security forces. During the ceremony, troops from both maritime and land based elements of the department paraded in front of the assembled crowd.

• Date Taken: 08.04.2008
• Date Posted: 08.05.2008 16:31
• Story ID: 22159
• Location: BASRA, IQ