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RAF jets bomb Islamic State training base in Saddam’s former palace

The RAF used guided bombs to first target the headquarters of the terror group’s training base, followed by a security centre, in an attack which was filmed by forces.

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The Ministry of Defence said the former dictator’s complex in Mosul, north Iraq, was a “major” IS HQ and training centre for foreign recruits.

The former Iraqi president, who was executed in 2006, is estimated to have spent at least $2 billion on 50 palaces across Iraq between 1991 and 1999.

The MoD stated that the coalition-led mission was successful, however, they could not estimate the number of casualties.

It is understood that ISIS leaders were using the palace and its sprawling grounds as a headquarters and training centre for foreign recruits.

Beginning in April, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and the White House announced a number of tactics to accelerate the campaign to retake Mosul from ISIS, but few have been implemented, a US military spokesman said Wednesday.

Royal Air Force jets have bombed an Islamic State “palace stronghold in Mosul” (MOD).

The complex, set in a large secure compound next to the River Tigris, included the main palace building, used as accommodation as well as a meeting venue by the terrorists.

The UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, said: “Daesh [Isis] has been losing followers and territory for months, and emphatic strikes like this show that we and the coalition will not waver”.

“But what we don’t see any more are the convoys of foreign fighters being brought in”, he said.

It once featured man-made lakes, waterfalls, underground bunkers and extensive gardens, and was re-purposed as a base for coalition forces during the Iraq War.

As part of the global coalition, RAF Tornado and Typhoon jets are flying daily missions against IS in Iraq as well as in Syria from the British sovereign bases on Cyprus.

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Mosul, Iraq’s second city, has been under IS control since June 2014.

The RAF said two Tornados were used in the operation