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British troop action supported by U.S.

LONDON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Britain's plan to reduce its troop levels in Iraq was based on improved security and coordinated with U.S. commanders, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.

Gates' comments came after meeting in London with British officials in what some observers say is an attempt by the Bush administration to quiet criticism that Britain is trying to move away from the U.S. policy in Iraq, USA Today reported Friday.

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Britain announced it expected to reduce its troop presence of about 5,000 by half, anticipating the make the withdrawals by next spring.

Gates met Thursday with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Britain's defense secretary, Des Browne. The British defense secretary said plans to reduce forces were based primarily on progress in the Basra area, where most British forces are based.

The British have lost 170 service personnel in Iraq since the March 2003 start of the war.

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