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Troop Numbers to Fall Again
The BBC reports that the number of troops in Northern Ireland is to fall further next August. John Reid today confirmed that the King's Own Scottish Borderers, currently based at Lisanelly Barracks in Omagh, due to end their tour in August 2006, will not be replaced.
This will bring troop levels from their current level of roughly 11,000 down by about 550 - still higher than would be envisaged during peace-time. The MoD said the army would continue to support the PSNI "to counter the threat from terrorism and to prevent potential public disorder." and will keep troop numbers in Northern Ireland under review.