Today’s papers continue speculative reports about international sea and land missions in Libya and articles reporting that 25,000 jihadis have been killed in air strikes over the 20 months of the campaign against Daesh.
Libya
Following reports in Sunday’s papers there are further speculative pieces about the international sea and land missions to Libya. The Telegraph and Sun report today about the possible role of a small Royal Marine task group as part of the mission to tackle people smuggling. The Telegraph piece says that the Foreign and Defence secretaries will meet European counterparts in Luxembourg later today to discuss escalating the EU’s anti-smuggling operation in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile The Mail speculates that the potential 1,000 UK troop deployment under an assistance mission could include protecting key buildings such as hospitals and banks, although not in a combat role. The piece says 100 Special Forces personnel are in the countryand looks forward to EU discussions in Luxembourg later.
Our statement on Libya can be seen below.
A Ministry of Defence 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 Daily Express, New Day and Daily Star follow yesterday’s Mail on Sunday interview with Coalition spokesman Col Steve Warren, in which he said more than 25,000 jihadis have been killed in air strikes over the 20 months of the campaign against Daesh. RAF strike activity is referenced throughout the pieces. A full history of RAF air strikes against Daesh can be seen here.
Cold injury
The Daily Mail, Sun and Times follow-up the story that a black former British Army soldier is suing the MOD for not considering his skin colour when he was forced to train in the cold. Abdoulie Bojang claims he was at greater risk because of his ethnicity. The Mail article quotes a solicitor from the law firm Irwin Mitchell who says he has acted for about 450 Commonwealth soldiers on the same issue in the past decade. The articles carry our statement which can be seen below.
A Ministry of Defence 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.
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