A total of 150 Norwegian troops from the new, specially trained Telemarksbataljonen are assisting the occupational forces in the area around Basra in southern Iraq. The main contingent departed from Gardemoen Military Airport on July 8. The chief of the Norwegian Joint Operation Center stressed that his soldiers will not be part of the coalition "occupation" in Iraq, but will involved mine clearing, rebuilding and humanitarian assistance. Anti-war activists in Norway still plan to protest their country's involvement. - Adam Geibel