Iraqi army and police join forces in Basra

BASRA, Iraq, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Working with the British and U.S. militaries, the Iraqi police and army have established two joint security bases in southern Basra, officials said.

The joint patrol stations will be a communal point of operations where both forces can coordinate and carry out security missions in the area, the British Ministry of Defense said.

Basra provincial police officials said the joint patrol stations add an additional level of security for the citizens of Basra.

Top officials with the 4th Infantry Division of the Iraqi army noted joint operations will give police officials additional confidence to interact with the community and expose the forces to residents in the area.

U.S. Military Police and transition teams coordinated with British officials to oversee the joint operations, serving in an advisory role, the Defense Ministry said.

Security in Basra has improved since a major Iraqi military operation targeted Shiite militias in the area earlier this spring.