Our troops in Iraq in the line of fire for first time since 2009

BRITISH troops will move a step closer to the frontline in Iraq, it was revealed yesterday.

Soldiers will deploy ‘outside the wire’ in the battle-scarred nation for the first time in eight years, the Defence Secretary announced.

Sir Michael Fallon said they will carry out protection duties around one of the biggest military bases in the country.

It will mean soldiers from 2 Rifles leaving Al-Asad air base in Anbar province and protecting it from Islamic State fighters. Though they will not be on the frontline, the move puts them in greater danger because they could be forced to confront the jihadists.

Last year ten suicide attackers stormed the base, killing at least 18 Iraqi soldiers.

The last time UK troops were deployed ‘outside the wire’ in Iraq was in 2009, just before combat troops were withdrawn after a six-year fight.

Sir Michael told MPs during defence questions in the Commons: ‘The campaign is now changing following the liberation of Raqqa and Mosul. British forces will be training further forward and providing force protection in and around coalition bases.

‘I have also authorised additional medical personnel to Al-Asad air base and extended the deployment of Royal Engineers there.’ There are now 600 UK troops in Iraq. British forces have been training and supporting the Iraqi army since September 2014.