A wide range of Defence stories feature in today’s news, covering issues including Daesh and the Deepcut inquest.
DAESH
An article in The Times says the Daesh capital of Raqqa is close to being hemmed in by US-backed Kurdish militias and allied Arab forces that have seized large areas of territory in recent weeks. The paper reports that the town of Shadadi, nearby oilfields and a strategic highway fell over the weekend and Raqqa would be surrounded "in the very near future", according to the Pentagon. The article adds that Shadadi's fall opens up a desert road to Raqqa, and says Syrian regime forces backed by Russian airstrikes have made their own advances from the west towards Raqqa, the capture of which would be a major coup in the fight against the extremists.
DEEPCUT
Several papers continue to cover the inquest into Private Cheryl James’ death at Deepcut Barracks in 1995. Articles are carried in The Times, The Sun, The Guardian, Daily Express, and Daily Star, reporting testimony given yesterday concerning her alleged relationships.
A MOD spokesperson said:
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Private Cheryl James. The inquest will now be a matter for the Coroner, but we will of course continue to cooperate with and provide support to the Coroner where needed.
LIBYA
The Daily Mirror claims British Special Forces are spearheading a “secret war” against Daesh in Libya as the coalition prepares for a major attack. The piece says SAS troops deployed to Libya last month and have been escorting MI6 teams to meet officials to discuss supplying weapons and training to the regime’s army and militias.
The MOD’s long-held policy is not to comment on Special Forces.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Over 350 soldiers from 26 Regt RA conduct Ex MANSERGH SABRE, a collective training exercise in preparation for their forthcoming training year (2016). This will lead directly into Ex STEEL SABRE 16.
Photographer: Cpl Timothy Jones RLC Crown Copyright 2016
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