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| Axis of Evil |
| British Jet fighters head to Mid-East |
| 2003-01-08 |
| A formation of 14 RAF jet fighters is being sent to the Middle East later this month as the stand-off with Iraq continues, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The squadron-strength group is taking part in a long-planned exercise, but the deployment will be seen as part of the build-up for possible war against Saddam Hussein's regime. "Long-planned exercise" gets my nomination as the most overused phrase of the year The group for the aircraft exercise in Jordan includes six Tornado F3s, four Jaguars and four Harrier GR7s. Jordan, huh? That's handy. The 12-day aircraft exercise will give the jets the chance to practice against Jordan's Mirage fighters, which are similar to those used by Iraq. MoD officials were keen to quell speculation about links between the exercise and possible military action against Iraq. A spokesman said: "It represents a long-standing and regular commitment. "We have taken part in these exercises for the last 10 years." "Knew they'd come in handy someday." A Royal Navy task force, led by HMS Ark Royal, is due to set sail on a deployment that will take it to the Gulf this month. Royal Marines commandos are also being deployed. On Wednesday's visit to Turkey, Mr Hoon spoke of working together towards a peaceful outcome to the current crisis. Peace through superior firepower! |
| Posted by:Steve |