RAF admits to civilian’s death in IS drone strike

A civilian was “unintentionally” killed by a RAF drone strike against Islamic State (IS) forces in eastern Syria, the Defence Secretary has said.

Gavin Williamson confirmed the individual died after crossing into the strike area on a motorbike moments before the blast on 26 March.

It is the first time the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed a civilian casualty during Britain’s campaign against the terror group in Iraq and Syria.

The death was “deeply regrettable”, the minister said.

Three IS fighters, who were driving in the Syrian Euphrates valley at the time, were also killed by the precision Hellfire missile, a statement from the MOD at the time reported.

The attack was carried out by an RAF Reaper drone.