RAF jets and drones strike at IS targets in Mosul

IRAQ: Reaper drones and Typhoons destroy IS positions around occupied city

British jets and drones have hit so-called Islamic State (IS) targets as part of the push to drive them out of Mosul.

The RAF took part in strikes around the northern Iraqi city, hitting targets in support of the ground offensive.

The assault on Mosul has led to warnings of a humanitarian crisis as people flee the city, which has been under IS control since 2014.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has described the effort to liberate Mosul as a “big moment” in the war against IS, and vowed that British forces would continue to play a major role as part of the coalition supporting the Iraqi and Kurdish forces on the ground.

The Ministry of Defence released details of a series strikes carried out by the RAF on Monday and Tuesday.

On Monday, a Reaper drone was in action south-east of the city, attacking targets including a mortar position, an armed truck and two IS heavy weapons teams – one equipped with an anti-tank gun.

A Typhoon flight to the south of Mosul used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a large truck bomb before it could be used by IS.

On Tuesday, a Reaper flying to the south-east of Mosul targeted two groups of IS fighters and an armed truck, while to the north-east of the city Typhoons destroyed targets, including a string of improvised explosive devices laid out in a defensive belt.

In an indication of the humanitarian consequences of the attack, Save The Children said thousands of Iraqis have made their way to a refugee camp to escape the offensive.

About 5,000 people, mostly women and children, arrived at the Al Hol camp from the Mosul area in the last 10 days, and at least 1,000 more are now massing at the border waiting to cross.