There's more reporting today on the Afghan military’s battle against the Taliban in Sangin, Helmand Province. Broadcasters are also reporting that the Army is preparing to help in flood-affected parts of Cumbria today as storms are expected to bring more flooding to the region.
Afghanistan
There are reports that the Afghan military has moved reinforcements to the area and has asked NATO for air support, according to newspapers.
We clarified yesterday that the UK personnel sent to Camp Shorabak elsewhere in Helmand are part of a NATO advisory mission and are not combat troops. Here it is again:
As part of the UK’s ongoing contribution to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, a small number of non-combat UK advisers have deployed to Camp Shorabak in Helmand Province. It is important that, as part of NATO, we support the Afghan National Army and Security Forces as they take the lead in protecting their people and country.
Daesh
The Telegraph and The Times report the RAF's contribution as Iraqi forces continue to make gains in the assault on Ramadi. The Telegraph records that the RAF has conducted 36% of the total coalition air strikes around the strategic city in the past week, while The Times reports that last week was the RAF's busiest period of strike activity. The articles say that Daesh has suffered a series of setbacks and is preparing for a final defence of the centre of the city.
Military compensation
The Times and the Daily Mail report that the MOD has paid out more than £27 million in compensation to Afghan and Iraqi citizens caught in Britain's military operations. The amount paid out to Iraqis has risen to £21.7 million, according to figures disclosed to The Times under the Freedom of Information Act.
Our statement is carried:
The Government wants to spend our growing defence budget on our Armed Forces rather than paying lawyers who are pushing unfounded or unjustified claims. Investigations into the claims are continuing and, where cases are considered to be unjustified, the MOD will be contesting these. The Court of Appeal recently upheld our view that cases on behalf of Iraqi nationals should be time-limited. We are considering further measures to tackle persistent legal claims.
Army recruitment
The Daily Mirror claims that military experts have expressed concerns at Capita's recruitment programme. The paper says the Army is 2,000 troops short and has paid penalties to the MOD.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
In order to ensure best value for the taxpayer, Capita is required to meet certain performance targets. We’ve seen recruitment rising this year and we expect this to continue.
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