NEWS IN BRIEF – EUROPE
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25 Mar 15. Sierra Leone: OP GRITROCK. The UK will work with the Government of Sierra Leone and partners to improve systems and structures that will contribute to better future service delivery and infrastructure. Between 2005 and 2010, DfID spent £22.9m on the health sector in Sierra Leone and contributed a further £63.8m between 2010 and 2014. (Written Answers (WA), 25 Mar 15.)
On her departure from Sierra Leone (27 Mar 15) it was announced that RFA Argus has been awarded an Admiralty Board Letter of Commendation (after 33 years. service). (MoD, 27 Mar 15.)
Comment: The UN Mission reported (27 Mar 15) that 24,927 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) have been reported in the three most affected countries (Guinea, Liberia & Sierra
Leone). 10,338 deaths have been reported. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/14, 30 Mar 15)
23 Mar 15. Iraq: OP SHADER. British Forces have continued to conduct air Operations to assist the Iraqi Government in its fight against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant). ISIL terrorists around Mosul have been hit by further RAF air strikes. The frigate HMS KENT has been supporting air strikes launched by French and US aircraft carriers.
(MoD, 23 Mar 15.)
Comment: In a Written Statement (26 Mar 15) the Defence Secretary updated the House of Commons on the situation in Iraq and on the training of the Syrian Opposition (see also Item 5). Tornado and Reaper conducted
199 strikes up to 26 Mar 15 “and continue to gather vital intelligence”.
(Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/14, 30 Mar 15)
23 Mar 15. Afghanistan: Withdrawal Continues. All vehicles and equipment earmarked for return to the UK have left Afghanistan. As at 20 Mar 15, some 93% of vehicles and major equipments have been returned with 7% remaining in transit. 99% of other freight has been returned. (WA, 23 Mar 15.)
395 locally employed (Afghan) staff have applied for relocation to the UK. Of these 77 have settled in the UK with 67 family members. (WA, 23 Mar 15.)
The net additional cost of the redeployment of UK Armed Forces from Afghanistan until the end of February 2015 was £212m. (WA, 23 Mar 15.)
Miss K Pierce CMG has been appointed HM Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, with effect from May 2015. (FCO, 24 Mar 15.)
On 25 Mar 15 the first of three RAF Chinooks left Kabul for RAF Odiham. The Chinook detachment is to handover to a Puma 2 Force from RAF Benson on 1 Apr 15. (RAF, 26 Mar 15.)
Comment: There was considerable Press coverage of the US decision to halt the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and to keep a force of 9,800 deployed for the time being. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/14, 30 Mar 15)
15 Mar 15. Vanuatu: Cyclone Pam. The UK is providing up to £2m (two million) of immediate support to the people affected by Cyclone Pam. In addition, an RAF cargo plane has delivered DfID supplies to Port Vila including 1,640 shelter kits for 8,200 people and 1,944 solar lanterns. (WA, 15 Mar 15.)
An RAF C-17 undertook four round trips between Australia and Vanuatu, carrying shelter kits and solar lanterns. (MoD, 26 Mar 15.)
The C-17 team from 99 Squadron RAF is flying daily sorties to Vanuatu, delivering portable shelters and emergency lighting following the devastation caused by 200 mph winds. (RAF News, 27 Mar 15.)
27 Mar 15. The World Food Programme said that two weeks after the cyclone hit Vanuatu, food for more than 166,000 people has reached all 22 affected islands. (UN, 27 Mar 15.).
Comment: The MoD was keen to stress (26 Mar 15) that the UK was working alongside the authorities in Australia and New Zealand in supporting the Government of