British ground will ‘train further forward and provide increased force protection’ in and around coalition bases.

According to a press release, 2 Rifles, currently based at Al Asad providing infantry, counter-IED, engineering and combat medical training to the Iraqi Security Forces, will now patrol outside the base perimeter.

The MoD also say that UK is also deploying a further team of British military medical personnel to Al Asad and will extend the deployment of British engineers at the base by six months.

Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, said:

“The fight against Daesh’s reign of terror is not over and as the nature of the Coalition campaign changes, the role we play must adapt too. By training Iraq forces we are helping with the long-term stability of the country and our own security here at home.”

The campaign to defeat Islamic State in Iraq has entered its final phase following the liberation of Mosul, Hawija and the Ninewah Province from its barbaric rule. Iraqi Security Forces are now advancing across Anbar Province, clearing Islamic State positions in the Euphrates River Valley.

Medical support to operations is a top priority for the Coalition. Learning from previous operations, such as the trauma care developed at Camp Bastion’s hospital, the UK medical personnel will ensure Coalition forces receive the ‘highest standard of treatment if required’ say the Government.

Over 600 British soldiers are on the ground in Iraq, according to officials. UK troops have so far helped train over 58,000 Iraqi Security Forces in counter-IED, engineering and combat medical skills.

In addition to personnel on the ground in Iraq, RAF aircraft have carried out over 1,600 strikes against Islamic State.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Mike Saul
Mike Saul
6 years ago

Big mistake, let the locals do the fighting. UK troops provide training, support and leadership at command levels.

David Steeper
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike Saul

Think that’s what they are doing.

Ld Elon
Ld Elon
6 years ago

Have you ask permission from elected Syrian or Iraqi governments?
You helped setup a group, trained and sponsored them, then played pretend hero fighting them = mission creep.

Mike Saul
Mike Saul
6 years ago

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.

Sun Tzu

Mr Bell
6 years ago

Daesh are being defeated in Iraq and Syria.
not sure we need increased active military presence in Iraq. Unless the Iraqs civillian government and military leaders have asked for our help?
With Deaesh we will simply need to destroy them wherever and whenever they pop up next. We cannot stop the flow of ideology and hatred but we can defeat them militarily.
In Iraq now though I think leave their military to deal with this issue and support them through to victory which is coming.

joe
joe
6 years ago

Is this while the border agency are waving them back into the UK?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago
Reply to  joe

Incredible isn’t it. They are all probably at TH’s house.

David Steeper
6 years ago

I always assumed he lived on a spaceship.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Wish he did. Fired far away from my country.