Web page sponsored by Force Protection Europe Ltd.
http://www.forceprotectioneurope.co.uk
————————————————————————
EUROPE
15 Oct 11. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. A Rifleman from 2nd Bn The Royal Gurkha Rifles was killed by small arms fire at a temporary checkpoint on
15 Oct 11. UK deaths since the start of Operations on 7 Oct 01 thus rose to 383, of whom 339 were killed as a result of hostile action. (MoD, 15 Oct 11.)
From 1 Jan 06 to 30 Sep 11, 1,802 personnel were Wounded in Action and 5,078 were aeromedically evacuated. (DASA, 18 Oct 11.) From 16 to 30 Sep 11 the figures were 10 and 57.
The (newly-appointed) Defence Secretary said that he intended to visit the troops in Afghanistan “as soon as is practical”. (Statement, 18 Oct 11.)
For those serving in Afghanistan, the MoD has in place “a robust support and allowance package that is kept under regular review”. (Written Answer (WA), 19 Oct 11.)
The FCO “follows a cross-Government policy for considering cases of local staff intimidation or injury in Afghanistan on a case by case basis”. The policy includes interpreters. (WA, 20 Oct 11.)
Comment: The Government Response to the Defence Committee’s ‘Operations in Afghanistan’ was published on 17 Oct 11 as HC 1525. The Response is divided between: Operations in Helmand in 2006; Military Operations since 2009; Training of the Afghan National Security Forces; The Impact on the Civilian Population & Transition and Withdrawal.
The Defence Secretary made a Statement (18 Oct 11) on Afghanistan, covering the period since the Prime Minister’s Statement of 6 Jul 11. The Minister paid tribute to the troops from Denmark, Estonia and Tonga operating under British command. Since 6 Jul 11, two Danish soldiers and one Estonian have been killed.
The Foreign Secretary announced (20 Oct 11) that the FCO, together with the MoD and the Department for International Development has published the 10th progress report on developments in Afghanistan (www.fco.gov.uk). (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/41, 24 Oct 11)
18 Oct 11. Libya: OP ELLAMY. MoD briefings, up to and including 18 Oct 11, confirmed continued strike activity by Tornado GR4 delivering Brimstone and Paveway missiles. (MoD, 15-18 Oct 11.)
After six months of operating from Akrotiri, the Sentinel aircraft is relocating to Gioia del Colle Air Base.
(RAF, 17 Oct 11.)
The Foreign Secretary visited Tripoli on 17 Oct 11. (FCO, 17 Oct 11.)
HMS YORK sailed from Portsmouth (17 Oct 11) in order to relieve HMS LIVERPOOL. (MoD, 18 Oct 11.)
From the start of Operations in Libya to 6 Oct 11, UK Forces have employed some 1,470 precision guided munitions, 110 direct fire weapons, 4,100 rounds of 30mm cannon and around 240 high explosive or illuminating 4.5 inch naval rounds. (WA, 18 Oct 11.)
From the start of Operations to 6 Oct 11, UK aircraft flew around 2,900 combat/combat support sorties
lasting some 17,350 hours. (WA, 19 Oct 11.) In the same period, naval gunfire support has been provided on 17 occasions. (WA, 20 Oct 11.)
Colonel Qadhafi’s death was recorded by the Prime Minister and others (20 Oct 11). (Number 10, 20 Oct 11.)
Comment: The Defence Committee is due to take evidence on ‘Operations in Libya’ on 26 Oct 11 at 14.30hrs in Committee Room 8, Palace of Westminster. The Defence Secretary, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the First Sea Lord and the Chief of the Air Staff are due to appear as witnesses. The North Atlantic Council took a preliminary decision to end the Operation in Libya on 31 Oct 11. The Council is to take a formal decision early in the week starting 24 Oct 11. (NATO, 21 Oct 11.) (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/41, 24 Oct 11)
18 Oct 11. Britain’s former defence minister Liam Fox caused a security risk by disclosing his diary of foreign trips to his close friend, an official report criticizing his actions said Oct. 18. Defence Minister Liam Fox addresses delegates at the Conservative