We’re sending even more troops to Iraq ‘in final push against IS’
Deputy Political Editor in Tokyo BRITaIn is sending extra troops to Iraq to bring the defeat of Islamic state a ‘step closer’, the defence secretary announced last night.
sir Michael Fallon said the deployment of 44 soldiers to anbar Province would support the coalition effort as it enters its final phase.
They will work in non-combat roles at the al asad airbase to build a squadron HQ, accommodation and offices.
Their arrival, which will bring the total number of British troops in Iraq to over 600, will free up coalition personnel to fight Islamic state, also called daesh, in the region.
The troops from 5 armoured engineer squadron and 22 engineer Regiment in Tidworth, Wiltshire, will be deployed for about six months.
sir Michael said: ‘ We are stepping up our contribution to the fight against daesh and fulfilling Britain’s role as a key player in the global coalition. daesh is being defeated. Iraqi forces, backed by coalition airstrikes, have now liberated 70 per cent of the territory daesh held and the victims of its barbarism are being helped by our humanitarian support.
‘These extra troops will help support operations to bring the defeat of daesh a step closer.’
yesterday, Iraqi prime minister Haider al-abadi, confirmed his country’s security forces, with the help of a coalition involving the UK, had liberated Tal afar, one of the last Is strongholds in the country.
sir Michael said: ‘While the Iraqi forces and the coalition have ended daesh’s control in the Tal afar area, the task is not yet done. The UK will continue to support the Iraqi security Forces to finally clear daesh from their country.’
British personnel supporting the coalition in Iraq are mainly involved in training Iraqi security forces in infantry warfare, engineering to counter improvised explosive devices, and combat medical skills, with over 58,000 Iraqis trained so far.