Basra police chief survives bombing

US and British military commanders have praised the police chief for being one of the most able leaders of Iraq’s security forces.

 

The province of Basra, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of Iraq’s oil exports, has been the scene of a turf war among rival Shia factions.

 

Security operations in Basra are seen as a test of whether the Iraqi authorities can keep peace without the assistance of US and British troops.

 

Violence has subsided since British forces pulled out of the city in September.