There is further speculation about security in Libya in today's Defence-related news, as well as comments about the effectiveness of coalition air strikes against Daesh.
Libya
The Observer reports that several separate international security operations are being considered for Libya, in a preview on an EU ministerial meeting tomorrow, while the Sunday Times and People report that British special forces troops are in the country helping to protect its new leadership. The Daily Star Sunday and Sunday Mirror report a claim that 1,000 troops could be deployed to the North African country.
It's a long standing policy that we don't comment on Special Forces operations. Meanwhile our position on any Libya mission is here:
An MOD spokesperson said:
The UK continues to work with international partners on how best to support the new Libyan government. All planning has been focussed on training Libyan Security Forces to provide their own security to the Government and Libyan people. No decisions have been made about the future deployment of any British military forces.
Daesh
The Observer reports that fighters returning to their home countries from Syria and Iraq should be recruited to talk publicly about their experiences, according to the EU’s senior counter-terrorism official. Gilles de Kerchove said that in cases where they were not considered a threat, such people could be used by governments to reveal details of the brutal conditions.
The Mail on Sunday features an interview with US military spokesman Colonel Steve Warren, in which it's reported that he says the international coalition against Daesh has killed 25,000 jihadis – cutting Daesh’s army in Iraq and Syria by half.
Cold injury
The Sunday Times reports that an ex-soldier is suing the Ministry of Defence after he was exposed to freezing temperatures during a training exercise in Canada. Our position is below.
An MOD spokesperson said:
When compensation claims are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability to pay compensation we do so.
Follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to sign up for email alerts.