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Isis air strikes: British jets use Brimstone missiles in Sryia for the first time

Brimstone missiles are said to be capable of hitting a vehicle moving at a speeds of up to 70mph

Nigel Morris
Monday 11 January 2016 14:07 GMT
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British jets have carried out a series of strikes on Isis targets in Syria, using laser-guided Brimstone missiles for the first time.

In four operations yesterday on Sunday, the RAF launched strikes at a vehicle and tunnels near the Isis stronghold of Raqqa, as well as the Omar oilfield in eastern Syria, Downing Street confirmed on Monday.

Brimstone missiles are said to be capable of hitting a vehicle moving at a speeds of up to 70mph, using a highly focused explosive warhead.

They can be launched from an aircraft up to seven miles away and from as high as 20,000 feet.

Ahead of last month’s Commons vote over bombing Isis positions, David Cameron said it was the kind of UK asset which would make a “meaningful difference” to Coalition operations in Syria.

Number 10 detailed four RAF missions which took place yesterday:

· Tornado GR4 jets using a Brimstone missile to destroy a supply truck near Raqqa and targeting two Isis buildings.

· An attack on the Omar oilfield by two Tornados and a Reaper drone, which used three Brimstones as well as Hellfire missiles to attack mobile cranes brought in by Isis to repair damage inflicted air strikes.

· Reaper unmanned drones targeting an Isis position in the Raqqa area with a Hellfire missile.

· Two Tornado jets striking a tunnel complex near Raqqa with four Paveway bombs.

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