RAF Akrotiri has been used as a launchpad for attacks on Islamic State targets in Iraq for just over a year, and late on Wednesday parliament broadened its scope for targets within Syria.
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British Prime Minister David Cameron gave a very emotional speech in an effort to persuade the MPs to approve the British intervention in Syria.
The House of Commons approved the use of force against ISIS by a 397-223 margin after a 10-hour debate, with 66 Labour MPs voting in favor. The MoD confirmed Thursday that RAF Tornadoes had returned after conducting a first offensive in Syria, saying more details would follow.
The British official added: “We have come to the aid of France, who requested us to help with our RAF planes, we have responded to the call form the United Nations on all members of the United Nations to do something to suppress this terrorism and eradicate the safe haven that Daesh has”.
“These are the aircraft that the coalition have been asking for”.
And on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he revealed: “Today we are doubling our strike force. That’s why this decision is so important”.
Boeing Co.’s Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition, launched from F/A-18 Hornet warplanes, employs a global-positioning system and laser kit to convert free-fall bombs into “near-precision” weapons, the manufacturer says.
Reports say that Britain and Saudi Arabia are now the only two countries that use the Brimstone.
Sources told Sky two RAF Tornado jets have taken off from Cyprus for the “operating area”.
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Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said he believes air strikes “can be very effective” and a “real blow” to the so-called Islamic State.
