The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has said that restoring stability to Iraq would deal a 'body blow' to global terrorists.
Mr Blair was speaking during a surprise visit to the southern Iraqi city of Basra, where 8,500 British troops are stationed.
A spokesman said Mr Blair wanted to show his and the nation's gratitude to the British servicemen and women in Iraq.
The prime minister also held talks about the country's future following last week's parliamentary election.
On his fourth trip to Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003, Mr Blair said good progress was being made in training Iraqi security and police forces.
