Iraq: British Jets Return From Combat Mission

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

British jets armed with missiles have returned from northern Iraq, following their maiden combat mission with authorisation to conduct airstrikes.

The two Tornado GR4 fighter jets - armed with missiles for the first time - took off from RAF Akrotiri at 8.30am this morning.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no airstrikes were launched during the seven-hour mission.

"Although on this occasion no targets were identified as requiring immediate air attack by our aircraft, the intelligence gathered by the Tornados' highly sophisticated surveillance equipment will be invaluable," its spokesman added.

"We know that the very presence of coalition airpower over Iraq has a significant impact on IS's efforts to attack the Iraqi people.

"With no effective defence against airstrikes, and knowing the precision with which coalition aircraft can hit them, the terrorists are forced to be much more cautious, keeping their forces dispersed and movement inhibited."

A member of the aircrew prepares to depart on the first mission. Pic: MOD

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has confirmed that US forces have carried out airstrikes on seven targets in Syria, with missiles hitting an IS building and two armed vehicles. Three strikes were also conducted in the Iraqi city of Irbil.

The British pilots in Saturday's mission - one male, one female - were flying over Iraq according to the tasking given to them by US Central Command.

It is thought to have been a dynamic close air support mission, hitting targets if and when they reveal themselves.

The Tornados are being supported by a Voyager refuelling aircraft

Saturday's activity came after MPs overwhelmingly backed action in a vote in the House of Commons on Friday.

Parliament gave approval by 524 votes to 43 (a majority of 481) for Britain to join the US-led coalition in the Middle East.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said Britain is ready to play its part in dealing with IS.

He said: "We are one part of a large international coalition. But the crucial part of that coalition is that it is led by the Iraqi government, the legitimate government of Iraq, and its security forces.

"We are there to play our part and help deal with this appalling terrorist organisation."

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon told Sky News that Britain would select targets "in accordance with the American and international effort that's going on in Iraq".

He added: "There's fighting around these towns - we have to fit in to the day-to-day fighting and see where we can help best."

An RAF pilot at the base on Saturday morning

Meanwhile, Iraq's deputy prime minister has said Islamic State "is not just the problem of Iraq. It is the problem of all countries".

The planes have been at RAF Akrotiri for the past six weeks carrying out surveillance missions over the Middle East.

The US has been carrying out airstrikes in northern Iraq since August and France joined the mission last week.

:: Watch full coverage on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202 and Freeview 132.

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