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EUROPE
08 Jul 10. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. UK deaths since the start of Operations on 7 Oct 01 have risen to 314, of whom 276 were killed as a result of hostile action. As confirmed by the MoD (8 Jul 10), the recent fatalities are:-
* A Trooper (i.e. Private) from the Royal Dragoon Guards was killed in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj District on 5 Jul 10.
* A Private from 1st Bn The Mercian Regiment died in hospital in Birmingham on 5 Jul 10 from wounds sustained in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj District on the previous day.
* A Bombardier (i.e. Corporal) from 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery was killed in an explosion in the Sangin District on 8 Jul 10.
* A Marine (i.e. Private) from 40 Commando, Royal Marines, was killed in an explosion in the Sangin District on 8 Jul 10.
As (US) General D Patraeus takes over command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the strategy for defeating insurgency in Afghanistan has been reaffirmed. (MoD, 5 Jul 10.)
A flag-raising ceremony to mark the formation of Regional Command (South West) was held on 4 Jul 10. The new Command is responsible for internal security Operations in Helmand and Nimruz Provinces. Together with Afghan Forces, six other Nations contribute to the Command: Bahrain, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, the UK and the US. (MoD, 5 Jul 10.)
“….the Prime Minister is very clear that there will not be British troops in a combat role or in significant numbers in Afghanistan in five years’ time….” (Foreign Secretary, 6 Jul 10.)
The estimated cost of Operations in Afghanistan, paid for by HM Treasury, is £4,187m in 2009/10 and £4,436m in 2010/11. (Ministerial Answer, 6 Jul 10.)
Comment: As at 6 Jul 10, ISAF numbers increased slightly (from 119,478 to 119,743). Adjustments were made to the contingents from Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Macedonia, Netherlands, Spain, UAE and Ukraine. An updated list of the 46 troop contributing nations is at page 3. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/27, 12 Jul 09)
08 Jul 10. Repatriation: No Change from RAF Lyneham. The Lords’ Defence Spokesman said (8 Jul 10) that RAF Lyneham remains the most appropriate airfield for the repatriation of those killed in Afghanistan.
Comment: Only a limited number of military airfields can handle the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft used for repatriation. Also post mortems for military fatalities are conducted at the nearby John Radcliffe Hospital. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/27, 12 Jul 09)
07 Jul 10. Operational Support: Additional Equipment. The Defence Secretary announced (7 Jul 10) the provision of £189m from HM Treasury Reserve for new equipment to be deployed in Afghanistan. The equipment package includes: £158m for base equipment such as secure communications systems; £19m for body armour, weapon systems and night vision equipment and £12m for modifying logistics support vehicles.
Comment: The latest ‘package’ is in addition to the £67m of equipment announced on 10 Jun 10. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/27, 12 Jul 09)
08 Jul 10. Talisman: Deployment. The MoD confirmed (8 Jul 10) that the Talisman