Daesh
In 2011, people across the Middle East and North Africa began demanding more democratic and fair societies in what became known as the Arab Spring. While these protests led to some positive changes and the removal of several unfair governments, they also sparked civil wars, especially in Syria and Yemen.
During this time of instability, the terrorist group Daesh (also known as ISIL, Islamic State or ISIS) took advantage of the upheaval. They captured territory and spread messages of violence, committing terrible acts against innocent people while falsely claiming to represent Islam.
The UK’s Role in the Global Coalition
The UK has joined forces with 70 other partners to fight Daesh. This group, called the Global Coalition, works together in several important ways. They use military action when needed, stop money from reaching terrorists, prevent fighters from traveling to join Daesh, help rebuild damaged areas and work to counter Daesh's harmful messages.
Daesh still threatens UK safety by trying to expand their network and convince people around the world to join them. That's why the UK works hard to prevent terrorist attacks and stop extremist groups from harming communities and our shared values.
Military Campaign: Operation Shader
In 2014, the UK launched Operation Shader to help fight Daesh. The Royal Air Force (RAF) began conducting airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq, and later in Syria too. This became one of the RAF's biggest operations in 25 years, with British planes carrying out about 20% of all coalition airstrikes - second only to the United States.
By January 2019, British aircraft had conducted more than 1,700 airstrikes against Daesh, resulting in the elimination or injury of approximately 4,315 enemy fighters, with a single reported civilian casualty. In September 2024, as the fight against Daesh entered a new phase, the UK announced it would end its airstrike operations within the next year.
Helping People and Building Peace
The UK's work against Daesh is part of a larger effort to bring peace and prosperity to the Middle East and North Africa. Since 2011, the UK has provided £4.3 billion in aid to help people affected by the Syrian crisis - the largest amount the UK has ever given for a single humanitarian crisis. This money has helped provide:
- Food for millions of people
- Nearly 8 million medical consultations
- Essential supplies for over 9.5 million people
In December 2024, following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, the UK promised an additional £50 million to help vulnerable Syrians. £30 million will help people inside Syria with food, shelter, healthcare, and protection, while £20 million will support Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.
The UK continues working to help the Syrian people and create lasting peace in the region through both humanitarian aid and diplomatic work, aiming to help build fair and democratic systems of government that work for everyone.