Syrian moderate opposition
There is widespread coverage, including on BBC News and in this morning’s Times, Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and The Sun, which all cover yesterday’s proactive announcement that the UK is to train Syrian forces in the Middle East to fight against ISIL. The papers suggest that this represents a “stepping up” of British efforts to counter the terrorist group.
The Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Britain remains at the forefront of coalition military efforts to support the Iraqi government in their fight against ISIL. This effective and closely coordinated activity in conjunction with Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces has largely stalled the terrorists’ advances.
But ISIL must be defeated in both Iraq and Syria. In Syria, coalition airstrikes have supported the liberation of Kobane and have disrupted ISIL’s logistics and supply lines. However, defeating ISIL ultimately lies with local forces and we are helping to create effective ground forces in Syria, as well as in Iraq, so they can take the fight to ISIL.
You can read more on the story here.
Ebola
The Sun and regional outlets, including the Western Morning News, report that that RFA Argus is on its way home fromSierra Leone and is set to receive the Admiralty Board Letter of Commendation. Read more on the story here or see below for what the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had to say and the reaction from the ship’s Captain.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
During her deployment to Sierra Leone Argus has made a significant contribution to the UK’s effort to halt the spread of Ebola. She has helped to establish the crucial medical treatment centres and has provided vital transport capability allowing medical workers to reach the areas most affected by the disease and by providing medical reassurance to the British personnel deployed to the region.
As the Chairman of the Admiralty Board it gives me great pleasure to award RFA Argus with a Letter of Commendation, recognising her overall contribution to Defence over her 33 years’ service. From delivering helicopters and Harrier jets to the Falklands conflict in 1982, to acting as a casualty receiving ship in the first Gulf War in 1991 and Adriatic in 1993, Argus has made her mark in a significant way.
The Commanding Officer of RFA Argus, Captain David Buck, said:
I am extremely proud of everything that Argus and her people have contributed to the mission in Sierra Leone over the past six months. The award of the Admiralty Board Commendation for Argus’ lifetime contribution to defence is a huge honour that I am privileged to accept on behalf of all of those who have served in her over the course of 33 years service.
Image of the day
Follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to sign up for email alerts.