Today’s defence news touches on the situation in Afghanistan, the inquest into the death of a young air cadet and measures taken to counter ISIL online. There is also further coverage of the Chilcot Inquiry.
AFGHANISTAN
The Independent picks up on comments made yesterday by Afghanistan’s acting Defence Minister, Mohammed Masoom Stanekzai, acknowledging the difficulties his security forces are facing against the Taliban after they lost control of Musa Qala in Helmand province earlier this week. However, Mr Stanekzai added that Afghan forces were firmly resisting the Taliban, and would battle any group that posed a threat to Afghanistan.
RAF AIR CADET DEATH
The Times reports on the ongoing inquest into the death of teenage air cadet David Efemena, who died at a RAF training camp. The article reports comments that the camp should have been cancelled because of staff shortages. The Squadron leader who approved the exercise said he had not been made aware that the number of supervisors had subsequently diminished. The inquest continues and our statement is below.
A MOD spokesperson said:
“Our thoughts remain with David Efemena’s family and friends at this very difficult time but it would be inappropriate to comment further prior to the completion of the inquest.”
ISIL TWITTER
The Telegraph, Daily Express, Sun and Guardian report that the Government has launched a Twitter account to counter social media propaganda from ISIL. 'UK against ISIL' was launched yesterday by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and will – according to an FCO statement – “inform and engage the UK public on what action the UK Government and its partners in the global coalition are taking to defeat this brutal terror group”. Among its first tweets was a video about the UK's role in the fight against ISIL.
IRAQ INQUIRY
The Times looks at who might be criticised as part of the Chilcot Inquiry, reporting that British military chiefs may face accusations of taking on too much work in Iraq and for over-stretching their forces, according to former Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt.
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