As well as widespread reporting on Sir John Chilcot’s statement about his inquiry into the Iraq War there have been reports about fighting in Afghanistan.
HMS Portland
The Daily Mirror and Guardian report that HMS Portland assisted two transatlantic rowers who went 20 days without food as they tried to be the first to cross from New York to London unassisted. The rowing boat was found 30 miles off the Scilly Isles and the Navy personnel provided three days' supply of food and water.
Royal Navy Chef Emma Lloyd-Williams, who was in the sea boat when it met the rowing craft, said:
It’s absolutely incredible what these guys are doing to raise money for the McGrath Foundation. It was humbling to be the first people the guys have seen for 97 days.
Chilcot Inquiry
The BBC, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, FT, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, The Sun and Times continue to report on delays to the Chilcot report as Sir John Chilcot provided a public statement yesterday saying that the deadline is under control. In the wake of this statement, the families of the service personnel that died in Iraq have said that they will take legal action about the delay and force the report to be published.
Musa Qala
The BBC, Daily Telegraph and The Times report that Musa Qala in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, has been captured by the Taliban. Articles state that 20 British soldiers died to protect the town during operations. The Head of Helmand’s provincial council confirmed that 25 Afghan army soldiers and police died in the assault with more than 40 injured.
Junaid Hussain
The Guardian, Daily Express, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Star and The Times report that British computer hacker Junaid Hussain form Birmingham has been killed in a targeted US strike. The reports reflect comments by US defence sources to CNN saying that they have a high level of confidence he was killed in the ISIL stronghold of Raqqa. There are also reports that his death came as he was spreading a kill list of US and British military and diplomatic personnel.
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