It said Tornado and Typhoon warplanes from Britain’s air base in Akrotiri, Cyprus conducted eight strikes on targets in the Islamic State (IS) controlled oilfield at Omar in eastern Syria. That has happened only twice before since mid-September.
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Seven of the strikes in Iraq hit five Islamic State tactical units, 12 buildings, and a weapons cache near Ramadi, a statement issued on Saturday said. The strikes destroyed machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons, the statement said.
Friday’s operation, launched from the RAF base in Cyprus, included Typhoon fighters for the first time alongside Tornados.
Fallon added that RAF personnel had the backing of both the British government and people in the attacks, The Guardian reported. Early reports suggest that these were successful.
A London-based analyst says the British Prime Minister is lying his head off as in fact his is consulting with the enemy. “It is complex, it is hard what we are asking our pilots to do, and our thoughts should be with them and their families”, David Cameron said.
Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon speaks to pilots and ground crew at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, as RAF jets at the base continue bombing runs over Syria.
Bombing began within hours of Wednesday’s historic vote in the House of Commons.
RAF jets have targeted a large oilfield during their second combat mission in Syria, the Ministry of Defence has said.
“A terrorist sniper team opened fire from a compound on Iraqi troops but was silenced by a direct hit from a Paveway IV guided bomb”, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
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But the Free Syrian Army opposition group has claimed British intervention is “just a few more jets” over the course of a long campaign.
