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Army ending its operation in NI Army ending its operation in NI
(about 2 hours later)
The British army's operation in Northern Ireland will come to an end at midnight on Tuesday after 38 years.The British army's operation in Northern Ireland will come to an end at midnight on Tuesday after 38 years.
Operation Banner - the Army's support role for the police - is its longest continuous campaign in its history with more than 300,000 personnel serving. Operation Banner - the Army's support role for the police - has been its longest continuous campaign, with more than 300,000 personnel taking part.
A garrison of 5,000 troops will remain but security will be entirely the responsibility of the police.A garrison of 5,000 troops will remain but security will be entirely the responsibility of the police.
British troops were sent to Northern Ireland in 1969 after violent clashes between Catholics and Protestants.British troops were sent to Northern Ireland in 1969 after violent clashes between Catholics and Protestants.
When the first soldiers were deployed in August 1969, Army commanders believed they would be in Northern Ireland for just a few weeks. When the first soldiers were deployed in August 1969, commanders believed they would be in Northern Ireland for just a few weeks.
Military deathsMilitary deaths
But the Army quickly became involved in what came to be known as Operation Banner.But the Army quickly became involved in what came to be known as Operation Banner.
A total of 763 military personnel were killed during the campaign.A total of 763 military personnel were killed during the campaign.
Soldiers have been leaving bases such at Bessbrook, County ArmaghSoldiers have been leaving bases such at Bessbrook, County Armagh
At the height of the Troubles, there were around 27,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland. From Wednesday, there will be no more than 5,000.At the height of the Troubles, there were around 27,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland. From Wednesday, there will be no more than 5,000.
The head of the Army in Northern Ireland, General Nick Parker, said the operation helped create the conditions for a political solution.The head of the Army in Northern Ireland, General Nick Parker, said the operation helped create the conditions for a political solution.
"What I believe the military have done here is make a significant contribution to the security in Northern Ireland that has allowed other people to make the difference through politics, social programmes and economics," he said."What I believe the military have done here is make a significant contribution to the security in Northern Ireland that has allowed other people to make the difference through politics, social programmes and economics," he said.
It is intended that the soldiers based in Northern Ireland in future will be deployed in foreign trouble spots, not the streets of Northern Ireland.It is intended that the soldiers based in Northern Ireland in future will be deployed in foreign trouble spots, not the streets of Northern Ireland.