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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/02/16/defence-in-the-media-16-february-2016/

Defence in the media: 16 February 2016

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After dominating the headlines yesterday, newspapers continue coverage of the crisis in Syria.

SYRIA

There is continued coverage of the crisis in Syria in the papers today, including in The Mirror, The Guardian and The Independent. Reporting focuses on air strikes on hospitals, reporting claims by medics and activists that suspected Russian strikes have hit three hospitals in northern Syria, and that the strikes on civilian targets could threaten a fragile ceasefire plan for the country. Articles go on to say that the number of casualties is still unclear, but dozens are believed to be dead or wounded in Idlib, where one of the hospitals was, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

RUSSIA 

The FT reports that tensions are mounting between Russia and Turkey as they increase military action in support of opposing sides, suggesting the countries are moving closer to direct confrontation in Syria’s war. The Times also reports on this issue, saying Turkey has raised the stakes in the growing global confrontation over Syria, accusing Russia of acting as a 'terrorist organisation' and vowing to retaliate if it continues air strikes on civilians.

LIBYA 

The Times reports that Libya yesterday unveiled a unity government that the West hopes will end an 18-month civil war and accelerate plans for foreign military intervention against Daesh. The article claims Britain has pledged to send 1,000 troops as part of an Italian-led force of 6,000 troops called the Libyan international assistance mission, to help the unity government establish control. The paper adds that the mission would include troops capable of tackling Daesh, and would also provide training and assistance to the Libyan security forces, according to European diplomatic sources.

SOMME TRIBUTES

The Times and The Sun report that The Queen and members of the Royal family will lead the nation in commemorating the centenary of the battle of the Somme. The reports say the Government has already announced plans for the commemorations at Thiepval, in northern France, where the memorial stands to more than 72,000 men who died in the Somme and have no known grave.

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Ex Spartan Hike 4x 5km C Cross Country Relay (Classic) Race Exercise Spartan Hike is the regional ski championships run by Force Troops command. Over 550 competitors compete in both Alpine and Nordic disciplines. The Apline disciplines are Giant Slalom, Slalom, Super G and Down hill. The Nordic races are 4x5km cross county relay, 15km classic, 12.5km biathlon and 4x7.5km biathlon relay. The Nordic competitors also compete in a patrol race carrying equipment and weapons
Exercise Spartan Hike - the regional ski championships run by Force Troops command. Over 550 competitors compete in both Alpine and Nordic disciplines.

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