Today’s defence news covers the Defence Secretary’s visit to Japan, the situation in Libya and the MOD’s position on Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia
A number of outlets report that Iran has accused Saudi Arabia of bombing its embassy in Yemen, in what many say is the latest escalation in a bitter fight that has led to a wave of sectarian violence across the Middle East. The Sun reports that British military experts are advising Saudi Arabia in a campaign against rebels in Yemen.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
UK military personnel are not directly involved in Saudi-led Coalition operations, we are offering Saudi Arabia advice and training on best practice targeting techniques to help ensure continued compliance with International Humanitarian Law. We support Saudi forces through longstanding, pre-existing arrangements and will consider any new requests.
UK / Japan
The Daily Telegraph and the Sun both report that Defence Secretary Michael Fallon will announce greater military ties with Japan today. The Daily Telegraph says that British fighter jets could take part in joint combat exercises in Japan for the first time in decades. The article goes on to add that Britain will hold at least one joint military exercise with Japan this year by either sending over Typhoon fighter jets, or inviting Japanese troops to large scale NATO exercises in Europe.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Japan is our closest security partner in Asia and I want to significantly deepen defence cooperation between our two nations. We will do that through joint exercises, reciprocal access to our military bases, military personnel exchanges and cooperation on equipment, including a new air-to-air missile.
Libya
The Financial Times and the Guardian report that an attack in Libya has left dozens dead, after a truck laden with explosives drove into the gates of a military camp in the city of Zliten. The articles note that the attack may have increased the chances of a western military intervention to prevent Daesh from strengthening its presence in the country. The Financial Times reports that some UK special forces may form part of the operation.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
The UK, along with international partners, is supporting the process to form a recognised Libyan government and we are developing plans to support this. No decisions have been made about the future deployment of any British military forces to Libya as part of an international coalition force.
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