UK to consider further support against Daesh

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has met with counter-Daesh Coalition counterparts from ten nations to review recent progress and consider further steps to accelerate the campaign. During the counter-Daesh Coalition meeting held in Stuttgart, Fallon stated that the UK will consider a further training and advisory package to help Iraqi ground forces tackle the terrorist organisation. Fallon said: “Make no mistake - Iraqi forces have Daesh on the back foot and are retaking territory, hitting its finances and striking its leadership. Now is the time to build on recent success and we are looking hard at what more we can offer as Iraqi combat operations intensify.” Fallon also conducted a discussion on improving governance and transregional co-ordination to combat violent extremism and its links to wider instability including illegal migration, crime networks and weapons smuggling. He said: “To counter this threat and protect our streets means working more closely together to tackle its franchise, wherever it appears.” The meeting was attended by US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian and German Minister of Defence Dr. Ursula Von der Leyen as well as representatives from Australia, Italy, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.