Two RAF Typhoons bomb ISIS jihadis in Iraq: MoD confirms fighter jets used precision missiles to take-out heavily-armed militants dug-in near Mosul
- Iraqi forces called for support after finding group of terrorists dug-in near Mosul
- RAF Typhoons swept in and used Paveway IV precision guided bombs to strike
- The Ministry of Defence says a ‘number of IS fighters’ were killed in the air strike
- Iraqi forces then carried out an assault and overwhelmed the remaining fighters
Two RAF Typhoons have successfully bombed a group of Islamic State jihadis in Iraq, according to UK militarily chiefs.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the fighter jets used precision missiles to take-out heavily armed IS militants who were dug-in at a site near to the city of Mosul.
The Typhoons were called in to support an Iraqi security forces after it came under heavy small arms fire from the terrorists on May 11.
Two RAF Typhoons (pictured: Library image) have successfully bombed a group of Islamic State jihadis in Iraq, according to UK militarily chiefs
The jihadi group were in a strong defensive position around 25 miles south west of the city of Mosul.
Unable to take out the group, Iraqi troops requested air support from the global coalition.
A pair of RAF Typhoon FGR4s rushed in and attacked the terrorists with two Paveway IV precision guided bombs.
The bombs hit the target and eliminated a number of IS fighters.
Following the air strike, Iraqi forces were then able to carry out an assault and overwhelm the few remaining terrorists, the MoD added.
The air strikes follow a 10-day operation in March in which missiles and bombs helped to clear an IS stronghold in the Makhmur mountain region, south-west of Erbil in northern Iraq.
A pair of RAF Typhoon FGR4s rushed in and attacked the terrorists with two Paveway IV precision guided bombs (pictured: Library image)
It comes just weeks after the MoD announced that the renowned ‘Dambusters’ squadron was being sent to Iraq to support operations against IS.
The RAF’s 617 Squadron is part of a new mission designed to prevent IS from ‘regaining a foothold in Iraq’.
The squadron is famous for its role in attacking German dams during the Second World Ware – earning its nickname of ‘Dambusters’.
As part of the operation F35B jets will join Operation Shader from the Carrier Strike Group to launch attacks on IS fighters.
The Carrier Strike Group – which centres around the massive air craft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth – are carrying out missions in Iraq.
Eight RAF and 10 US Marine Corps F35B stealth fighter jets will be on board the huge carrier.
They will be accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a submarine, 14 naval helicopters and a company of Royal Marines.
Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said last month: ‘The F35B Lightning jets will pack a potent punch against Daesh and help prevent them from regaining a foothold in Iraq.
‘This is a prime example of the UK armed forces stepping forward with our allies to confront persistent threats around the world.’