UK forces continue to be very active in Iraq, but have also increased offensive operations in Syria. However, the majority of UK airstrikes continue to be opportunist rather than intelligence-led, with targets being both identified and attacked by combat air patrols. The first major UK combat injuries have been reported, raising questions over the true nature and extent of UK ground operations against Islamic State.
Tag: United Kingdom
UK actions against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria: Intelligence briefing #2
On 2 December, the UK parliament voted in favour of authorising airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria. The RAF has since targeted well heads within the Omar oil field in Syria and undertaken multiple missions around Raqqa. A key issue in the build-up to the vote was the risk posed to innocent civilians in the areas of Iraq and Syria targeted by the RAF. Claims by the government and Ministry of Defence that there is no evidence of civilian casualties from UK military action against Islamic State do not stand up to scrutiny.
Open Briefing launches new series of monthly intelligence briefings on UK actions against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
As MPs prepare to vote on extending UK military action against Islamic State from Iraq to Syria, Open Briefing has launched a new series of monthly intelligence briefings on UK actions in the two countries. These briefings will use the latest open source intelligence in order to identify British military actions against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and analyse the military and political developments behind them. The briefings are published in order to inform debate on the issue and to ensure any military action is accountable.
UK actions against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria: Briefing #1
In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, MPs will shortly vote on whether to extend British military action against Islamic State from Iraq to Syria. After the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, announced he would allow Labour MPs a free vote on military action against Islamic State in Syria, the prime minister, David Cameron, will be confident in winning the vote, and it is likely air strikes will begin soon. However, there are serious concerns over the UK military strategy, which appears to be considered simply the ‘least worst’ option.
Transnational organised crime special briefing: People smuggling and the Syrian refugee crisis
Approximately 12 million Syrians have fled their homes as a result of the civil war in their country. Nearly eight million are internally displaced within Syria, and more than four million have sought refuge in nearby countries. Many are making the perilous journey to Europe in search of a better life, and over 500,000 Syrians have applied for asylum in EU countries. Not all who attempt the journey to Europe survive it. There were 4,800 known drownings of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean between October 2013 and April 2015 alone. These tragedies are being facilitated by the organised crime groups that peddle their lucrative trade in smuggling human beings.
Transnational organised crime monthly briefing, July 2015: Attack on tourists in Port El Kantaoui highlights threat of terrorism and organised crime in Tunisia
Monthly intelligence briefing on transnational organised crime from Open Briefing. This month: the attack on tourists in Port El Kantaoui highlights threat of terrorism and organised crime in Tunisia; organised environmental crime continues to threaten the Amazon region; people smuggling and human trafficking through Bulgaria and Romania is likely to increase; and more.
Remote-control warfare briefing #10, March 2015: Regional powers contemplating deploying special forces against Islamic State, proliferation of drones leads to calls for international regulation, UK surveillance laws need overhaul
Monthly briefing from the Open Briefing intelligence unit on developments in remote-control warfare. This month: Key countries in Middle East and North Africa contemplating special operations forces deployments against Islamic State; proliferation of drones leads to calls for international regulation; UK surveillance laws need overhaul according to parliamentary committee; and more.
Remote-control warfare briefing #9, February 2015: US president acknowledges cyber security challenges, surge in private security in Yemen, US urges Europe to develop more advanced military technology
Monthly briefing from the Open Briefing intelligence unit on developments in remote-control warfare. This month: US president acknowledges cyber security challenges in State of the Union address; deteriorating security situation sparks surge in private security spending in Yemen; United States urges Europe to develop more advanced military technology; and more.