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Britain to send an extra 125 military trainers to Iraq

Prime Minister David Cameron announced at the G7 summit in Germany that the UK would deploy a further 125 soldiers to join the counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training effort.

The extra soldiers will provide training for Iraqi security forces and be based in up to four locations across Iraq, including Taji, Besmaya and Al Asad.

The deployment will bring the total number of British troops in the fight against Islamic State to 900, with over 275 troops providing training to Iraqi forces.

Cameron said: “The biggest challenge we face in terms of the effect on Britain is fighting extremist Islamist terror, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

“We’re already the second largest contributor in terms of air strikes in Iraq, and support for the Syrian opposition.

“But I’m announcing today that we’re increasing our training effort in Iraq with another 125 personnel, specifically focused on counter IED training for the Iraqi Army.”

He added: “These people will be helping more broadly in Iraq. It’s a particular request the Abadi government has made, it’s a particular thing we’ve been working with the Americans on. I think it’s the right thing for Britain to do.”

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