Baghdad: Britain said today it will keep its troop withdrawals from Iraq on hold until security improves following the flare-up in fighting between government forces and Shiite militiamen.

At least 13 people were killed today in clashes between US-Iraqi forces and Shiite militiamen in Baghdad, where fighting spread last month after erupting in the southern city of Basra, where Britain's 4,000 soldiers are based.

Several rockets or mortars slammed into the US-controlled Green Zone, setting off alarms and sending diplomats, government officials and troops scurrying for concrete bunkers.

One projectile slammed into the roof of the building housing the Polish Embassy's security staff, slightly wounding one person, the Polish foreign minister said.

British Defence Secretary Des Browne said Britain still hopes to remove hundreds of soldiers from Iraq but for the time being will maintain the freeze on further withdrawals.

Britain had planned to pull out about 1,500 troops from Iraq this spring but cancelled the plan this month after the fighting broke out this month.

Source : PTI