Today’s defence-related news includes coverage of the Defence Secretary’s appearance on the BBC yesterday and reporting on the military campaign around Mosul, Iraq.
Russia
The Sun, the Guardian and the Daily Express all carry comments from the Defence Secretary’s interview on the Andrew Marr Show. Michael Fallon said Russia had become much more aggressive in the war in Syria and has chosen to be a 'competitor not a partner' to the west. The Defence Secretary also said Russia should be held accountable for allegedly bombing aid convoys in Syria.
Yemen
There is continued coverage in the Times and Independent this morning on the situation in Yemen.
Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood said:
I am deeply concerned by reports of an airstrike hitting a funeral hall in the Yemeni capital Sana’a yesterday. The scenes from the site are shocking.
I am raising my concerns with the Saudi Ambassador to London today and urge the Saudi-led coalition’s announced investigation into the incident to take place as a matter of urgency.
There can be no military solution to this conflict. We urge all sides to recommit to political talks and to implement a cessation of hostilities.
Mosul
The Times speculates that British special forces will play a key role in the assault on Daesh in the city of Mosul.
Soldiers facing criminal charges
The Sun reports that soldiers stole equipment from the SAS, following the conviction of Craig Davenport, Andrew Stevens and Stephen Suffield last week.
An Army spokesperson said:
The Army takes the security of equipment very seriously and all thefts are rigorously investigated.
In line with normal procedure if a soldier is sentenced to imprisonment, an application will be made for his discharge from the Army.
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