Britain is reportedly preparing to expand its military training mission in the Middle East and raise the number of troops helping to oppose Islamic State.
Nearly 800 British soldiers are already working in support roles in the region, but the UK ‘is preparing to offer more’, a source told Reuters yesterday.
They added that Whitehall was keen to step up its contribution in response to events on the ground, but that a final decision had not yet been made.
British forces are already training Iraqi soldiers in techniques such as dealing with roadside bombs, while others are training Syrian opposition in Turkey.
Extremist group Islamic State have taken control of swathes of Iraq and Syria in the past year.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘Nearly 800 UK personnel are deployed on operations in the region, helping Iraqis to strengthen and mobilise against IS and we will continue to keep our contribution under regular review.’
