LONDON — Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain will get 20 more drones and strengthen its special forces as Britain tries to help quell the growth of the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.
He told the Sunday Telegraph that national defense and security will be focal points of the Conservative Party conference that begins in Manchester on Sunday.
Cameron indicated that British jihadis operating inside Syria will face possible drone attacks as a last resort. Two Britons have already been killed by Royal Air Force drones.
He said obtaining 20 new Predator drones would more than double Britain's fleet. They can be used for both surveillance and to attack people or vehicles on the ground.
Groups have announced plans to demonstrate outside the conference to protest the government's austerity program.