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G7 summit: 125 extra military trainers to be sent to Iraq | G7 summit: 125 extra military trainers to be sent to Iraq |
(35 minutes later) | |
The UK is to send an extra 125 military trainers to Iraq to help in the battle against Islamic State, the PM has said. | The UK is to send an extra 125 military trainers to Iraq to help in the battle against Islamic State, the PM has said. |
David Cameron made the announcement at the G7 in Bavaria ahead of a meeting with the Iraqi leader on Monday. | |
Mr Cameron said that IS terror activity was "the biggest threat" G7 leaders had to address. | |
This latest pledge will take the total number of UK personnel providing training to the Iraqi security forces to more than 275. | This latest pledge will take the total number of UK personnel providing training to the Iraqi security forces to more than 275. |
Meanwhile, Number 10 dismissed claims of "mission creep." | Meanwhile, Number 10 dismissed claims of "mission creep." |
A spokesperson said the additional help was being given at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. | A spokesperson said the additional help was being given at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. |
Most of the extra personnel will be involved in training Iraqi soldiers to deal with explosive devices. | |
The bulk of the extra personnel - around 100 of those deployed - will train local forces in detecting and dealing with the roadside bombs and booby-trap explosives used by IS. | |
Another 25 will focus on logistical challenges such as bridge-building. | |
While Britain's mission in Iraq has so far been largely focused on the Kurdish capital Irbil, the new troops will be stationed at a number of bases around the country, including Baghdad. | |
It is understood they will remain inside bases and will not be deployed in the field. | |
The UK government announced in March that it planned to send nearly 60 Army personnel to Iraq to help deliver training for Kurdish forces fighting IS, also known as Isil. | |
The team were also being sent to focus on the counter-IED training programme organised by the coalition fighting IS. | The team were also being sent to focus on the counter-IED training programme organised by the coalition fighting IS. |
More than 1,000 Kurdish troops have already been trained by UK personnel. | More than 1,000 Kurdish troops have already been trained by UK personnel. |
At the time Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "This counter-IED training will give Iraqi forces a vital capability in taking the fight to Isil and is another example of our commitment to the campaign against Isil. | At the time Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "This counter-IED training will give Iraqi forces a vital capability in taking the fight to Isil and is another example of our commitment to the campaign against Isil. |
"Along with our airstrikes, Britain is making a major contribution to training Iraqi forces to help them defend their country." | "Along with our airstrikes, Britain is making a major contribution to training Iraqi forces to help them defend their country." |