Today’s news includes reporting on an air strike on a refugee camp in Syria and the papers continue to write about Afghan interpreters.
Refugee camp airstrike
The Guardian and Daily Telegraph follow last night’s reporting that dozens of Syrians were feared dead after an air strike hit Kamounia refugee camp in Idlib province from, reportedly, either a Syrian or Russian strike. On BBC News last night Lyse Doucet said there would be investigations if this was, as she said it appeared to be, a war crime.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:
Reports of the bombing of a refugee camp in Samarda this evening are horrifying. The Asad Regime’s contempt for efforts to restore the cessation of hostilities in Syria is clear for all to see.
This attack took place against the backdrop of a concert in Palmyra, a tasteless attempt to distract attention from the continued suffering of millions of Syrians. It shows that there are no depths to which the regime will not sink. It is time for those with influence over Asad to say enough is enough.
Afghan translator
The Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph continue to write about the UK Government’s handling of asylum claims made by alleged Afghan interpreters, reporting that the father of one has called the British Government a “disgrace”, saying it had “deserted” his son after he served British forces as a translator.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
We recognise the vital role local staff, including interpreters, played in operations in Afghanistan.
That is why as we as offering a generous redundancy package in recognition of this service, we have a permanent expert team based Kabul. They assist with relocations within Afghanistan and, where necessary, relocation to the UK.
Afghan deaths
The Sun and the Daily Telegraph report an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies for its Armed Conflict Survey which assesses that the death toll in Afghanistan has risen sharply since the departure of the bulk of international forces, with 15,000 people dying last year alone. Coverage compares that with reported figures of 3,500 in 2013.
Marathon soldier funeral
The Guardian, The Sun, New Day, Daily Star and The Mirror report tributes from the funeral of Captain David Seath, who died during the London Marathon.
Gibraltar flares
There is follow-up reporting in the Daily Mail and The Express to yesterday’s article in The Sun about flares being fired at a Spanish vessel which was near a US submarine in Gibraltar.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said:
We don’t comment on force protection measures or submarine operations.
Image of the Day
In keeping with the Royal Artillery motto Ubique (Everywhere) which reflects their service in every conflict, campaign and war since their inception, their Royal Regiments 300th anniversary has been celebrated with a worldwide relay of a specially commissioned baton.