Updated

Britain's Supreme Court has blocked damage claims brought by hundreds of Iraqi civilians who allege they were mistreated by British soldiers Iraq between 2003 and 2009.

The decision affects claims by more than 600 Iraqi citizens, who sued the Ministry of Defense in England.

The justices held that the civilians should have brought their claims within a three-year deadline specified under Iraqi law.

Britain participated in the American-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.