STEPPING UP THE FIGHT

UK soldiers to train Syrian opposition forces in fight against Isis

MoD to train groups in infantry, medical and explosive hazed awareness skills

emma lake

Published: 12:50, 25 Oct 2016
Updated: 15:22, 25 Oct 2016

UK SOLDIERS will train Syrian opposition groups to take the fight to Isis, defence secretary Michael Fallon has announced.

Up to 20 personnel will be deployed to train groups in infantry, medical and explosive hazed awareness skills.

Michael Fallon has said UK troops will help train moderate Syrian opposition groups — Michael Fallon has said UK troops will help train moderate Syrian opposition groupsCredit: PA:Press Association

Syrian opposition groups have been fighting to take control of areas held by Isis — Syrian opposition groups have been fighting to take control of areas held by IsisCredit: AP:Associated Press

The government has said those receiving training will be "vetted members of moderate Syrian opposition groups".

Mr Fallon said: "Daesh are the back foot. The RAF is already playing a leading role in the air, hitting them hard in Iraq and Syria.

"Now we’re stepping up our support by training moderate opposition forces outside Syria in the skills they need to defeat Daesh."

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The decision follows a request from the US for the UK to support its Train and Equip Programme.

Those receiving training will also be taught about International Humanatarian Law.

ISIS troops are under siege in both Syria and Iraq.

An offensive to retake the Iraq's second largest city Mosul, which has been under the control of the Islamic State since June 2014, is underway.

If it is successful a bid to free Raqqa in north-west Syria could be next.

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