Black Watch bound for danger zone

The Black Watch was today placed on standby to enter the "triangle of death" south of Baghdad.

The 850-strong force is expected to travel from its base in Basra to the troublespot, one of the most dangerous areas of Iraq, within the next few days.

Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Michael Walker said the operation would be limited to 30 days. The battle group

will comprise three companies of the Black Watch with some 500 men and 50 Warrior armoured troop carriers.

They will be supported by a reconnaissance unit from the Queen's Dragoon Guards, with about 100 men and 12 Scimitar armoured fighting vehicles, and a 50-strong Royal Marine unit from 40 Commando.

The British forces will be taking over peacekeeping duties from the US, freeing those forces for a new assault on the rebel stronghold of Fallujah.

The political fall-out over the move has gathered pace, with many MPs questioning why British troops are needed while there are 130,000 US personnel in Iraq. MPs say the move is

politically motivated to divert attention from the forthcoming US election.

In a statement which will anger anti-war MPs, the Bush administration welcomed Britain's decision.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said it demonstrated, once again, the role Britain was prepared to play in supporting the US in establishing a secure Iraq.