British military experts to teach opposition fighters skills to battle Islamic State
BRITAIN stepped up its battle against Islamic State jihadists yesterday by sending 75 military experts to train rival forces.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the specialists will teach strictly-vetted Syrian opposition members in Turkey how to use small arms, infantry tactics and medical skills.
The training project is part of a US-led initiative to mount opposition to the bloodthirsty IS militia in war-torn Syria.
Britain has previously sent instructors to help Kurdish Peshmerga fighters taking on IS, also known as Isil, in northern Iraq.
Defeating Isil ultimately lies with local forces
Mr Fallon said: “Defeating Isil ultimately lies with local forces and we are helping to create effective ground forces in Syria, as well as in Iraq, so they can take the fight to Isil.”
Mr Fallon added that two RAF Sentinel surveillance aircraft were also being sent to aid bombing raids.
Tornado strike jets and drones are already carrying out air strikes on IS in Iraq.
