UK forces have arrived in the Middle East to help train moderate Syrian rebels engaged in the fight against ISIS. They join the 500 already deployed to the region. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the Syrian ‘moderate’ forces were being trained in infantry, medical and explosive hazard awareness skills. RT reports: Their arrival was announced as the UK hosts a conference of defense ministers from countries involved in the coalition fighting Islamic State The 20 trainers – who are likely to be special forces soldiers – will teach so-called ‘moderate’ fighters infantry skills, combat first aid and other battlefield tactics. The existing deployment is thought to be made up of around 500 soldiers from the 4 Rifles infantry regiment, which is based near the Kurdish-held city of Erbil alongside specialist soldiers from the Royal Engineers and Royal Signals. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has previously stated that anyone receiving UK training would be vetted to ensure that no knowledge was passed on to jihadist groups. The deployment of UK special forces has come under increasing scrutiny, with critics claiming that it has now become the basic form of UK military operations and as such should be brought under democratic oversight. The [...]
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