More British Troops Head To Iraq To Help With Training In IS Battle

More British Troops Head To Iraq To Help With Training In IS Battle

Britain is to step up its training mission to the Iraqi armed forces as they prepare for a new offensive against Islamic State.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has offered to send 30 more troops to provide training in logistics and bridge-building as well as specialist medical staff.

The additional troops - who are expected to be deployed to training camps at Besmayah and Taji - will take the total number of UK personnel involved in training inside Iraq to 300.

Mr Fallon said that it came against the background of "solid progress" against IS – also referred to as Daesh – in recent months.

"Now is the time to step up our training of Iraqi Forces, as they prepare for operations in key cities such as Fallujah and Mosul," he said.

"Along with the trebling of UK air strikes, this underlines the crucial role our armed forces are playing in the fight against Daesh."

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