Of note for Defence news today is further coverage around news that the RAF has carried out more than 1,000 air strikes in the campaign against Daesh.
Campaign against Daesh
BBC Radio 4 Today Programme this morning reported that the MOD has said the UK has carried out more than 1,000 air strikes against Daesh in Iraq and Syria without causing any civilian casualties. Commentators examine estimates by group Airwars that at least 1,500 civilians have been killed in air strikes, but reiterate that the UK has said it has not caused any civilian casualties.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We can't completely eliminate the risk of civilian casualties but we carefully mitigate that risk through strict targeting procedures.
The evidence from detailed assessments of each strike is that we've avoided any civilian casualties so far in this conflict.
That includes additional investigation of any allegations made by airwars, where sufficient information is provided. In a handful of cases, the information provided has simply been too vague to determine where the alleged events took place.
Army officers
On its front page The Sun writes that a Guards Officer was filmed snorting a line of a 'powder-like substance' off a ceremonial sword in the mess at St James’s Palace while on duty. This story is also picked up by Mail Online. Coverage claims that an officer from The Coldstream Guards’ was filmed sniffing the substance in a short mobile phone clip, filmed a week ago. Reporting says that the footage was mistakenly posted on a message service for personnel.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Army expects all personnel to stick to its high standards and any found to fall short are disciplined robustly. An investigation is underway.
Military animals
The Sun, Daily Express and The Scotsman all report that 10 horses and 62 dogs serving in the military were put down last year, according to figures given in response to a written question. The papers reflect that reasons given included behavioral issues, old age and ill health. Reporting references comments by Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves and Personnel Mark Lancaster that decisions are only taken by a veterinarian officer after all possible treatment avenues have been exhausted and where it is considered to be the most humane option for the animal.
Rio 2016 Paralympics
As part of widespread coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympics, including in The Times, Daily Express, The Sun, Daily Star and Daily Mail, papers write that Jon-Allan Butterworth is Britain’s first Iraq and Afghanistan veteran to become a Paralympic champion following cycling success for the former RAF serviceman alongside teammates Jody Cundy and Louis Rolfe.
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