Private and Mercenary Military Forces 2020-09-21
2020-09-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the increasing use of mercenaries and private contractors by adversaries to achieve their goals, especially in conflict zones like Libya.
What recent assessment has been made of the level of threat of private and mercenary military forces to (a) the UK and (b) the UK's allies?
The Department keeps all threats to the UK and its allies under regular review, including those from private and mercenary forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about the threat level and assessment are not provided, only a general statement of ongoing review.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the growing use of mercenaries by adversaries like Russia in Libya, destabilising conflict zones and undermining international stability.
Many adversaries deploy mercenaries and private contractors as cartels to achieve nefarious goals around the world. What steps are being taken in the integrated review and multilaterally to assess and combat this threat?
Our adversaries' use of mercenaries and proxies is growing and undermining stability in the middle east, north Africa and more widely. The UK condemns all destabilising mercenary and proxy military activity. I am afraid I cannot comment on individual actions to counter this threat due to potential prejudice.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or measures being taken to combat the threat are not disclosed, only a general condemnation of such activities.
Cannot Comment On Individual Actions
Response accuracy