British Troops Combat Insurgent Activity In Southern Iraq

BASRA, IRAQ ? JULY 2: In this handout from the British Army, soldiers from the The Royal Welch Fusiliers mount helicopter borne Eagle VCP's (Vehicle Check Points), July 2, 2004 around the southern Iraqi town of Basra. Two teams of soldiers were deployed to various locations by RAF (Royal Air Force ) Chinook helicopters where they performed spot checks on passing traffic in an attempt to deter the possible smuggling of weapons and or contraband around areas of importance. In the days since Iraq achieved sovereign status there have been several attacks on oil pipelines and facilities in the region. (Photo by Giles Penfound/British Army via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***