Thursday, 2 October 2014

RAF jets launch first 'successful' strikes against Islamic State in Iraq


RAF jets launch first 'successful' strikes against Islamic State in Iraq


Two "precision strikes" were aimed at an IS "heavy weapon position" and an "armed pick-up truck" in the first attacks since Parliament approved British military action last Friday.

The jets were on an "armed reconnaissance mission" at around 1pm when they were asked to assist Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in north-west Iraq who were under attack from IS, also known as ISIL.

After launching their airstrikes, the jets returned safely to their base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The MoD released the following statement: "Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 aircraft have been in action over Iraq today as part of the international coalition’s operations to support the democratic Iraqi Government in the fight against ISIL. 

"In the course of an armed reconnaissance mission from RAF Akrotiri, two Tornados were tasked to assist Kurdish troops in north-west Iraq who were under attack from ISIL terrorists. 

"On arriving overhead, the RAF patrol, using their Litening III targeting pod, identified an ISIL heavy weapon position which was engaging Kurdish ground forces. 

"One Paveway IV guided bomb was used to attack the ISIL position.

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