UK defence secretary praises armed forces for sustaining Daesh fight over Christmas

The efforts of UK personnel deployed in the fight against Daesh have been personally commended by defence secretary Gavin Williamson.

During his first visit to Iraq, Mr Williamson met with UK troops stationed in Taji who, along with over 600 British soldiers in the country, are helping to train Iraqi security forces.

While many of us back at home enjoyed some end-of-year downtime over the Christmas period, RAF aircraft flew on operations against the terrorist group every day in a sustained bid to wipe out Daesh. They struck terrorist compounds, trucks, mortars and pockets of fighters engaged in close quarter, street fighting with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Mr Williamson explained why the fight against Daesh had to remain at a high level, even over the festive period.

“Only by defeating this evil and barbaric group for good will we reduce the deadly threat they pose to us, which is why we won’t stop until their global network is destroyed,” he commented.

“The dangers we face are changing and are intensifying rapidly. Eliminating the threat from terrorism is critical to our security at home and abroad. Our brave armed forces are working tirelessly, day and night, to defeat Daesh after helping to recover significant territory in Iraq.”

Mr Williamson also visited UK personnel in Taji and Baghdad, as well as Kuwait, praising their efforts as part of Britain’s contribution to the global coalition fight Daesh.