Cameron to order air strikes on Islamic State leadership in Syria

London, November 29

Prime Minister David Cameron plans to order Britain's Royal Air Force to target Islamic State militant group leadership in Syria if he got the backing of his MPs. 

Islamic State chief Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, a Syrian preacher, will lead Britain's so-called "kill list" when the strikes are launched, The Sunday Times reported.

Al-Adnani is reportedly in charge of the terror group's "international attacks" unit, which is believed to have orchestrated the Paris massacre and has repeatedly targeted the UK for a mass-casualty atrocity.

Adnani's external operations unit in the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa is believed to be running a network of jihadists who have returned to Britain after being trained in Syria.

The first RAF missions, expected this week, will feature high-profile strikes against suspected Islamic State command and control hideouts in Raqqa to cut off the "snake's head" of the terrorist group.

US officials have asked the UK to deploy the RAF's Brimstone missile, which minimises civilian casualties, because it raises the prospect of targeting the ISIS leadership in Syria if intelligence locates them in built-up areas.

MPs are expected to vote in the House of Commons on extending air strikes to Syria on Wednesday.

The motion will explicitly limit attacks to Islamic State targets and rule out committing ground troops.

It will stress that any decision has UN backing and that it will protect people in Britain from terrorism as well as degrading the ability of Isis to hold ground in Syria.

Speaking at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Malta, Cameron said: "There is a compelling case that taking military action alongside our allies can help to address the threat from ISIL."

"It has been working in Iraq, where we have shrunk the territory of ISIL, and it will work too in Syria, he added.

He added: "My argument is we can't wait for that political solution. We have to start acting now to keep our country, our people and indeed others in Europe safe."         

Reinforcements of two Tornado bombers and six Typhoon jets are expected to be sent to Cyprus this week, allowing the RAF to fly at least three missions a day rather than two.

The first planned air strikes are expected to follow within 36 hours of a "yes" vote, but defence sources say a "dynamic targeting attack" against a target of opportunity, such as an Isis leader, could take place within a few hours.

Opposition Labour and ruling Tory party whips both report that at least 80 Labour MPs are expected to support the bombing.

The number could rise to 115 as an internal Labour revolt sees a number of party MPs go against its leader, Jeremy Corbyn's decision to not back the strikes.

Germany plans to deploy 1,200 troops for IS fight

Germany is planning to deploy 1,200 troops to help France in the fight against Islamic State jihadists in Syria, its army chief said today, in what would be the military's biggest deployment abroad.

"From a military point of view, around 1,200 soldiers would be necessary to run the planes and ship," army chief of staff General Volker Wieker told Bild am Sonntag newspaper, adding that the mission would begin "very quickly once a mandate is obtained".

"The government is seeking a mandate this year," said Wieker.

Berlin on Thursday offered France Tornado reconnaissance jets, a naval frigate, aerial refuelling and satellite images in the fight against the Islamic State group.

Between four and six Tornados would be deployed to deliver images of the ground, even in poor weather and during the night, Wieker said.

Asked why Germany had shied away from participating in direct air strikes, Wieker said the coalition already had "sufficient forces and means" dealing with that aspect of the battle.

"What is needed is reconnaissance on the ground, so that these forces can be deployed effectively. Our Tornados can contribute a lot in that area," he said.

Talks are ongoing with Turkey and Jordan on stationing the planes in Incirlik — which also serves as a base for US jets — as well as in Amman.

Wieker swiped aside any criticism that Germany had opted for "the least dangerous" tasks, saying: "This allegation is not justified. What is the difference when you fly a bomber jet or a reconnaisance plane over the same area? The levels of threat and danger are the same."

Post-war Germany has been traditionally reluctant to send troops abroad, although it has joined UN-mandated missions in the Balkans and elsewhere, and the NATO coalition in Afghanistan.

Germany has not taken part in air strikes against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, which have been mainly flown by US and French aircraft.

After France last week invoked a clause requiring EU member states to provide military assistance after the Paris attacks, Germany swiftly announced its participation in the fight in Syria. — Agencies