British troops deployed to save Kenya's elephants from terrorists

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In this Sunday, March 24, 2013 photograph, a herd of wild elephants walk as Indian forest officials atop an elephant, unseen, count Rhinos during a Rhino census at the Kaziranga national park in Assam state, India. The two-day census that ended Monday found that there was an addition of 39 One-horned Great Indian Rhinoceros to the previous year's figure of 2,290, official sources said. Assam is home to the world's largest concentration of the rhinos. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)


British soldiers have been drafted in to save elephants in Kenya that are reportedly being slaughtered by Al Shabaab terrorists.

The Daily Express reports that Kenyan wildlife rangers will be supported by British troops to help stop the trade of ivory on the Somalian black market.

According to the newspaper, the trade is believed to earn the terrorists £400,000 each month.

Thousands of elephants are killed by illegal poachers every year.

According to the Daily Mail, the paratroopers will spend weeks teaching rangers to patrol more effectively and work better as a team.

Environment secretary Owen Paterson said: "Illegal poaching is having a devastating effect on some of the world's most iconic species.

"By joining forces with those on the frontline in Kenya, our armed services will be able to provide training and support to the courageous people who put their lives on the line every day."

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