The first fully trained battalion of Malian troops is expected to be operational in July.

BBC: Mali crisis: EU troops begin training mission

In February, senior military officials said 17 troops -- including a battalion commander, a company commander and 12 military police assigned to guard prisoners -- had been relieved of duty until an investigation could be completed.

CNN: U.S. denies widespread abuse?at prison in Iraq

The troops killed were from the 2nd Battalion of Britain's Parachute Regiment.

CNN: Gordon Brown hails fallen troops in Afghanistan

The tragedy was compounded further with the news that the troops were members of the same battalion that lost six Marines in Iraq just two days ago.

NPR: 14 from Ohio-Based Marine Battalion Killed in Iraq

The departing troops have handed over to 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers - after lowering the Royal Navy's white ensign flown for the past six months above their base.

BBC: Last Royal Marines leave Afghanistan

Russia and Belgium each have a battalion in Eastern Slavonia and Moscow has offered more troops.

CNN: U.N. could send troops to Slavonia

About 450 troops from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, took part in a parade to mark their homecoming.

BBC: 1 SCOTS parade

KIRKUK, Iraq (CNN) -- A battalion from the 173rd Airborne Brigade has reinforced U.S. troops and Kurdish forces in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, Maj.

CNN: U.S. reinforcements arrive in Kirkuk

They want the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment - known as 2 Para - to encircle the movement, along with elite US troops from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, the paper reported.

BBC: UK troops still 'ready' for Afghanistan