Hundreds of Isis fighters killed by RAF in Iraq, says Defence Secretary
Michael Fallon said the estimate related to the period between September 2014 and August 2015
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The RAF has killed 330 Isis extremists during airstrikes in Iraq, according to the Defence Secretary.
Michael Fallon said the figure was an estimate covering the period September 2014 to August this year.
Answering a parliamentary question from Brighton MP Caroline Lucas, he said: “This figure is highly approximate, not least given the absence of UK ground troops in a position to observe the effects of strike activity.
“We do not believe there have been any civilian casualties as a result of UK strike activity.”
MPs overwhelming approved air strikes against Isis fighters in Iraq last September, with the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour party all supporting the action.
But Parliament rejected any potential UK military action against President Bashar al-Assad in Syria in September 2013, after his suspected chemical weapons attack on its people in which hundreds were reported to have died.
In July, Mr Fallon said the UK should again consider air strikes against Isis in Syria, but that no action would be taken without a vote in Parliament.
Prime Minister David Cameron has indicated the UK should extend its military involvement against Isis from Iraq to Syria, but new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn opposes intervention, believing it could risk creating more problems for people in Syria and that the UK should instead try to work for peace in the region.
Writing in the Observer last week, Mr Corbyn said: “The Prime Minister will soon again be asking us to bomb Syria. That won’t help refugees, it will create more.
“Isis is utterly abhorrent and President Assad’s regime has committed appalling crimes. But we must also oppose Saudi bombs falling on Yemen and the Bahraini dictatorship murdering its democracy movement, armed by us.
“Our role is to campaign for peace and disarmament around the world.”
Earlier this month, an RAF drone strike killed two suspected British jihadis, Reyaad Khan and Ruhuk Amin, in the Isis stronghold of Raqqah in Syria.
Mr Cameron said the attack had been justified on the grounds of self-defence, while Mr Corbyn said the strike was "legally questionable".
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments