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Thousands of Nato troops in show of force with military exercise

Nato staged a major military exercise in Latvia in a practical demonstration of leaders' commitment to defend its Baltic member states in the face of aggression from larger neighbours.

Around 500 paratroopers, hundreds of vehicles and aircraft are taking part in the exercise in Latvia's capital Riga. Exercise 'Steadfast Javelin II' simulates a deployment of Nato soldiers and equipment in another country in a crisis situation.

At a two-day Nato summit meeting in Wales members agreed to form a new rapid reaction force and to step up exercises in eastern Europe in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

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Nato launches campaign to 'degrade and defeat' IS

Nato has launched a campaign to "degrade and defeat" Islamic State (IS) militants amid speculation that Britain could soon join airstrikes.

US President Barack Obama said Nato members were Credit: Reuters

The alliance's summit in Wales wrapped up with David Cameron urging a "comprehensive plan" to deal with the growing threat.

But there were some signs of tensions, with UK officials concerned that the US is not putting enough emphasis on involving regional powers.

And the French said they are not prepared to take part in military action in Syria.

However, US president Barack Obama insisted Nato members were "unanimous" in their commitment to stamp out to the "extremist nihilism" of IS - also known as ISIL and ISIS.

He said: "We are going to achieve our goal. We are going to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL, the same way that we have gone after al-Qaida."

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Thousands of Nato troops in show of force with military exercise

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