Today’s defence news includes an interview with Deputy Commander of the counter-Daesh Operation Inherent Resolve, Major General Rupert Jones; the MOD’s Russian expertise; European Defence; and missing airman Corrie McKeague.
COUNTER-DAESH OPERATIONS
The Daily Record reports on Major General Rupert Jones’ comments that the flow of foreign fighters entering Iraq and Syria to join Daesh is “down to a trickle”. General Jones added that “the enemy cannot sustain the attrition they are suffering”. The Daily Telegraph reports that Iraqi forces have taken control of the last major road out of western Mosul to trap Daesh militants inside the shrinking area of the city.
The Guardian, Daily Star, The Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Independent report on the deaths of two British medical students who worked as Daesh medics.
While The Times reports on Daesh’s use of suicide bombers.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
“As Iraqi forces push further into western Mosul, the RAF is playing a key role supporting them inside the city by taking out Daesh mortar teams and truck bombs.”
RUSSIA
The Times reports on the extent of Russia expertise in the UK.
An MOD spokesperson said:
“It is not accurate to say the Ministry of Defence has only one person looking at Russian defence capabilities. As we told the House of Commons Defence Committee last year, we have a 40 strong intelligence analysis team working directly on Russia.
"The MOD Russia teams in Defence Intelligence and Defence Policy have been expanded, and form an integral part of the work we do.”
MISSING AIRMAN CORRIE MCKEAGUE
The Times, Daily Star, Daily Mirror, The Sun, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Independent report on the latest in the disappearance of RAF gunner Corrie McKeague.
An RAF Spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that a RAF serviceman from RAF Honington is currently missing; our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time. The Civilian Police have primacy in this matter and we understand that the investigation is ongoing. It would not be appropriate for the MOD to comment or speculate on the case at this time.
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