Soleimani killing: Iraqi troops could refuse to protect British soldiers from Iran-backed militias

British troops in Iraq have become more vulnerable after the assassination of Qaseem Soleimani because Iraqi forces may refuse to protect them from attacks by Iranian-backed militias, i has been told.

Dr Jack Watling, research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said weapons poured into Iraq to fight Isis could also be turned on British forces.

Following last week’s US assassination of Iran’s top military commander, British forces have been braced for revenge attacks.