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16 Feb 15. Sierra Leone: OP GRITROCK. The Presidents of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone met in Conakry on 15 Feb 15 “in a move to unify their efforts in tackling the Ebola epidemic….” (UN, 16 Feb 15.)
A UK healthcare worker who had potential contact with the Ebola virus while working in Sierra Leone is being transported to the UK for assessment and monitoring. The individual has not been diagnosed with Ebola but will be monitored for the 21-day incubation period. (Public Health England, 17 Feb 15.)
The UN General Assembly held an informal meeting on Ebola on 18 Feb 15 and received briefings from the Secretary-General and others. (UN Mission, 19 Feb 15.)
The MoD reported on a visit by the Defence Secretary to Sierra Leone. After meeting the President of Sierra
Leone, the Defence Secretary visited the Kerry Town Treatment Unit and RFA Argus. (MoD, 20 Feb 15.)
Comment: An Associated Press report (17 Feb 15) noted that an audit has revealed that some $5.75m out of $19.32m donated to fight Ebola in Sierra Leone had been spent without receipts and invoices. “Proper accountability” was promised. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/09, 23 Feb 15)
17 Feb 15. Iraq: OP SHADER. RAF Tornado and Reaper aircraft have flown daily armed reconnaissance missions, as part of the international coalition’s air campaign to assist Iraqi ground forces. (MoD, 17 Feb 15.)
On 18 Feb 15, two Tornado GR4 provided close air support to the Kurdish Peshmerga and destroyed a truck-mounted rocket launcher with a Brimstone missile. (MoD, 19 Feb 15.)
Comment: In Northern Iraq a team of British military instructors continues to provide training for members of the Kurdish Peshmerga. “A string of successes against ISIL terrorists to the North and West of Mosul” is claimed. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/09, 23 Feb 15)
19 Feb 15. Afghanistan: OP TORAL. From 1 Jan 06 to 31 Jan 15, 2,188 personnel were Wounded in Action and 7,401 were aeromedically evacuated. During January 2015 there were no people Wounded in Action but one was aeromedically evacuated. (Def Stats, 19 Feb 15.)
Comment: It appears that fatality/casualty figures will not be published after 19 Mar 15 (which should be the date of the final summary). (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/09, 23 Feb 15)
19 Feb 15. Russia: Close Encounters. The MoD confirmed (19 Feb 15) that Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon aircraft were launched on 18 Feb 15 after Russian military aircraft were identified “flying close to UK airspace”. At no time did the Russian aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace. The encounter followed some maritime activity which was reported on 17 Feb 15. HMS ARGYLL tracked the Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudryy off the coast of France and monitored her movement through the English Channel. Under a NATO agreement, the RN had taken over from French surveillance of the Russian warship and her accompanying tanker.
Comment: Despite the impression given by media coverage of recent Russian encounters, QRA launches in response to Russian aircraft activity have not been significantly higher than in previous years. However, Russian air activity has increased in other NATO regions, particularly around Scandinavia and the Baltics. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/09, 23 Feb 15)
18 Feb 15. India: Hawk Aircraft Support Contract. BAE Systems announced (18 Feb 15) contract signature, worth £18.5m over five years, to provide Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) with support for the Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainer. The package includes Ground Support Equipment, Spares, Support and Training in support of HAL’s plans to establish a dedicated Repair & Overhaul facility for the aircraft.
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