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26 Jan 15. Sierra Leone: OP GRITROCK. ‘Save the Children’ is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the UK nurse’s contraction of Ebola virus disease [a reference to Pauline Cafferkey]. The investigation will be published shortly. (Written Answer (WA), 26 Jan 15.)
Personnel from RAF Leeming are joining the UK response to the international Ebola crisis, deploying a team to support a District Ebola Response Centre. Members of 2 Force Protection Wing HQ will be part of an inter-agency task force that includes NHS and Public Health England staff. (RAF News, 30 Jan 15.)
A military healthcare worker was flown back to the UK on 31 Jan 15, following a ‘needlestick’ injury while treating a person with Ebola. The individual has been admitted to the Royal Free Hospital for clinical assessment. (Public Health England, 31 Jan 15.)
Comment: The deployment of the RAF unit takes place “as the UK Government steps up its support for the international aid effort to combat the spread of the killer virus.” (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/06, 02 Feb 15)
27 Jan 15. Iraq: OP SHADER. Operations have continued against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist network in Iraq, with
RAF aircraft delivering further air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces. (MoD, 27 Jan 15.)
A British training team continues to work in Northern Iraq, teaching Infantry skills and first aid to the Kurdish Peshmerga. (MoD, 27 Jan 15.)
During the night of 28/29 Jan 15, Tornado GR4 aircraft conducted an armed reconnaissance patrol over North West Iraq. The Tornados were supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker and continue to operate alongside Reaper remotely piloted aircraft. The RAF contribution to the air campaign has been strengthened with the addition of a Sentry surveillance and command aircraft. (MoD, 29 Jan 15.)
Comment: MoD ‘updates’ covering air activity over Iraq are invariably introduced with the statement: “British Forces have continued to conduct air Operations to assist the Iraqi Government in its fight against ISIL.” (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/06, 02 Feb 15)
28 Jan 15. Afghanistan: OP TORAL. The Prime Minister announced that a Service of Commemoration to mark the end of combat Operations in Afghanistan is to take place on 13 Mar 15. The Service, attended by HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, is to be held in St Paul’s Cathedral. (MoD, 28 Jan 15.)
The Government is aware of media reports suggesting that elements of the insurgency in parts of Afghanistan, including Helmand, have pledged allegiance to the ISIL. (WA, 28 Jan 15.)
The Foreign Secretary presented the 43rd Progress Report on developments in Afghanistan since November 2010. With the conclusion of the NATO-led Mission on 31 Dec 14, the Progress Report would be the final such account. (Written Statement, 29 Jan 15.)
Comment: Members of 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade and 102 Logistic Brigade paraded from Wellington Barracks to Parliament on 26 Jan 15. The parade was followed by a reception in the Palace of Westminster. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/06, 02 Feb 15)
31 Jan 15. Iran: Embassy Still Closed. Efforts to re-open the British Embassy in Iran have been frustrated by a diplomatic dispute over Tehran’s demands to inspect two containers of secure communications equipment.
Comment: The Embassy has been closed for three years, having been ransacked in 2011 by a mob opposing Western sanctions. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/06, 02 Feb 15)
29 Jan 15. Nigeria: Fight Against Boko Haram. A Foreign Office Minister confirmed (29 Jan 15) that the UK is providing a substantial package o