The retreat of ISIL across Iraq and Syria is not a moment to pause the coalition’s advances, the British defence secretary warned.
Sir Michael Fallon said the UK would be stepping up its role as the fight against ISIL evolves.
“The fight against [ISIL]’s reign of terror is not over and as the nature of the Coalition campaign changes, the role we play must adapt too,” he said.
“By training Iraq forces we are helping with the long-term stability of the country and our own security here at home.”
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UK forces deployed at Iraq’s Al Asad air base will train further forward and provide enhanced protection for British personnel in coalition bases as the terrorist group continues its retreat across Iraq and Syria, according to a government statement.
2 Rifles, currently based at Al Asad providing infantry, counter-IED and combat medical training to the Iraqi Security Forces, will now patrol outside the base perimeter.
The UK is also deploying a further team of British military medical personnel to Al-Asad to provide treatment to coalition forces. Medical support is a “top priority” for the coalition, the statement added.
The campaign to defeat ISIL in Iraq has entered its final phase following the liberation of Mosul, Hawija and the Ninewah province from its control. Iraqi Security Forces are now advancing across Anbar province, clearing ISIL positions in the Euphrates River Valley.
Over 600 British soldiers are on the ground in Iraq, helping to train the country’s forces. UK troops have so far helped train over 58,000 Iraqi Security Forces.
In addition to personnel on the ground in Iraq, RAF aircraft have carried out over 1,600 strikes against ISIL.
The UK’s commitment from all three services to the fight against ISIL across the region now numbers just over 1,400 military personnel.
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
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The specs: 2018 Infiniti QX80
Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Red Joan
Director: Trevor Nunn
Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova
Rating: 3/5 stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: from Dh155,000
On sale: now
