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15 Jun 15. Iraq: OP SHADER. MoD updates (15 & 19 Jun 15) recorded the following events:-
. 10 Jun 15: An RAF Reaper destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
. 11 Jun 15: Two Tornado GR4 provided close air support to advancing Peshmerga near Sinjar.
. 11 Jun 15: The two Tornado flew South, to assist the Iraqi Army near Ar Rutbah.
. 12 Jun 15: Tornado GR4 dropped 10 Paveway precision guided bombs in a co-ordinated air strike.
. 14 Jun 15: Two Tornado conducted a series of attacks with Paveways on three terrorist positions.
. 16 Jun 15: A Reaper conducted an armed reconnaissance mission over Western Iraq.
. 17 Jun 15: Tornado GR4 provided close air support in North Western Iraq.
Comment: The MoD states that the “RAF contribution to the coalition air campaign is notable not just for the effectiveness of the GR4 and Reaper in delivering close air support attacks, but also the surveillance capabilities it brings.” British military instructors also continue to work with coalition partners in delivering training to Iraqi and Kurdish Forces. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/25, 21 Jun 15)
19 Jun 15. Sierra Leone: OP GRITROCK. After two days without any newly confirmed Ebola cases, five cases were reported by the National Ebola
Response Centre over the two days 17/18 Jun 15. (UN, 19 Jun 15.)
Comment: The UN also reported that 27,331 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) have been reported in the three most affected countries (Guinea, Liberia & Sierra Leone). 11,173 deaths have been reported. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/25, 21 Jun 15)
18 Jun 15. HMS BULWARK: Tasking. The Armed Forces’ Minister said (18 Jun 15) that HMS BULWARK was “currently in Malta for scheduled routine maintenance” prior to resuming her tasking. The Minister confirmed that follow-on options were being considered “to continue the UK military support to the Operation” (rescuing migrants).
Comment: On the previous day (17 Jun 15) an MoD spokesman confirmed that there are “no plans” for the UK to withdraw from the Mediterranean mission. BULWARK had been deployed for an initial 60-day period, ending on 3 Jul 15. The plan is for “a seamless transition of assets to continue the UK military support”, as confirmed by the Minister (above).
(Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/25, 21 Jun 15)
18 Jun 15. Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA): Traffic Accident. The MoD reported (18 Jun 15) that there had been a road traffic incident at 18.10hrs 17 Jun 15 on SPTA. A collision involving three troop-carrying vehicles resulted in 20 British and Indian army personnel being injured; six of whom were detained in hospital.
Comment: Both the British and Indian Armies expressed their gratitude to the emergency services “for their outstanding response and superb care they have administered to our soldiers”. The soldiers were taking part in EX AJEYA WARRIOR, which is an Indian-UK exchange exercise held every other year. During the Exercise an Indian Infantry Company is integrated into a British Battalion. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/25, 21 Jun 15)
16 Jun 15. Cyprus: Still Divided. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus spoke to the Press (16 Jun 15) following his meetings with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in Cyprus. The leaders are to continue “to focus on fulfilling their joint vision for a united federal Cyprus”. Further meetings have been arranged.
Comment: Cyprus has now been divided for over 40 years while the UK continues with intelligence gathering activities. The UK maintains two Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) on the island: some 3,100 hectares at Akrotiri including the RAF Station and a further 2,340 hec