Tri-Service

Fallon Visits Cyprus Personnel Involved in Fight Against IS

The Defence Secretary has been in Cyprus visiting personnel involved in the fight against Islamic State.

Michael Fallon spent several hours on the ground at RAF Akrotiri meeting aircrew and the men and women keeping the aircraft there flying around the clock, as well as speaking to the pilots who are flying twice daily missions.

“I am proud of the work the 400 personnel based here are doing to help the Iraqi Government to defend their country against the ISIL 'cancer'", said Mr Fallon.

“While this fight will take time, the coalition’s airstrikes are having a direct effect in supporting Iraqi ground operations against ISIL. In the North, areas around Mount Sinjar have been retaken, bringing relief to the local Yazidi population and applying pressure to ISIL forces in Mosul. In the South, Iraqi forces operations are beginning to push back ISIL.

“Britain’s contribution is playing to our strengths. By leading the counter-IED training this month our troops will be using their expertise to give Iraqi forces a vital capability in taking the fight to ISIL.”