You’ve just been bombed ...by a woman
FIGHTER pilot Mariam Al Mansouri struck a double blow against the fanatics of Islamic St at e yesterday.
Not only did the 35-year-old take part in attacks on IS targets, her very presence in the operation was a blow to the jihadis who impose strict rules on women.
The United Arab Emirates made great play of the fact that Major Al Mansouri, the country’s first woman fighter pilot, had been a key part of the bombing missions against IS fighters. News of her role sparked a delighted reaction on social media.
One posting showed her in the cockpit with the caption: ‘Hey ISIS you were bombed by a woman, have a nice day.’
‘She is taking part in crushing the dens of Daesh,’ wrote another woman on Twitter, using an Arabic term for Islamic State.
Major Al Mansouri told CNN earlier this year: ‘Whenever a woman enters a new male-dominated field, they find the same hesitation, the same prejudice, the same stereotype thinking.
‘And I had to prove myself by just being determined and having that skill and the knowledge enough to prove that I can perform as skilful as the men in this field.’
There was no difference between men and women with regards to training and assignments, she said. ‘Everybody is required to have the same high level of combat competence,’ she said.
UAE is seen as a leader in women’s rights in the Arab world, with women allowed to drive, wear bikinis and drink alcohol. In the US, however, there was anger over sexist comments by Fox News panellists. Eric Bolling referred to her as ‘boobs on the ground’ while Greg Gutfield said: ‘Problem is, after she bombed it, she couldn’t park it.’
TV viewers expressed their anger, with one branding the remarks ‘Disrespectful and disgusting’.
The RAF has had a series of women pilots who have operated in danger zones.
In 1994, Flight Lieutenant Jo Salter became the first operational jet pilot, flying Tornados. Since then, female pilots have flown in various theatres, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
Five years ago, Flight Lieutenant Juliette Fleming, 30, and Squadron Leader Nikki Thomas, 31, became the first all-woman Tornado crew – pilot and navigator – logging almost 100 hours flying ‘close air support’ in Afghanistan.