British naval base in Bahrain
The Independent has reported that the government will face a major legal challenge over a new Royal Navy base inBahrain following accusations that Britain sacrificed human rights in favour of trade and military deals. The action is being led by Moosa Mohammed who is seeking a judicial review over the decision.
A government spokesperson said:
The UK government is supporting the government of Bahrain in its reform programme, including work to help Bahrain strengthen its human rights and justice sector. We welcome the progress Bahrain is making in this area with the support of NGOs and will continue to provide assistance to them.
The recent defence agreement is not about the provision of military assistance to Bahrain, and therefore no assessment was required.
Russia spy trawlers
The Daily Mail reports on comments from Lord West that Russia has deployed a fleet of spy trawlers off the British coast to intercept military communications. He goes on to say that Russian espionage has soared to a worrying level as Vladimir Putin ordered more acts of provocation. The piece also quotes a military source saying that although they look like fishing vessels, they are in fact packed with electronic equipment. The combat readiness of Russia’s Northern Fleet is also referenced in the piece noting the 45,000 troops on exercise in the north of the country.
ISIL commander killed in Libya
The Times writes that senior ISIL field commander Ahmed al-Ruwaysi has been killed in Sirte after fighting in the region with militiamen from Tripoli’s self-proclaimed government. The article states that the fighting marks the first time that forces loyal to Libya Dawn have confronted ISIL on the battlefield. It goes on to report that European states fear that extremists could use Libya as a jumping-off point to launch attacks on Europe. It concludes that EU foreign ministers met on Monday to discuss sending a security mission to Libya should peace talks between the two main parties fail.
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