RAF Airstrikes Support Advance on Raqqa

Operation Summary 13-17 April

Thursday, 13 April – Typhoons supported the Syrian Democratic Forces, hitting seven terrorist positions north of Raqqa in Syria.

Saturday, 15 April – Typhoons attacked a Daesh-held building west of Raqqa,

Monday, 17 April – Typhoons struck a further target in Syria, south of Tabqah,

Air Support Over Raqqa for Syrian Democratic Forces

Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to provide intensive air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces advancing on Raqqa. On Wednesday, 13 April, Typhoons patrolled over Raqqa. North of the city, Syrian Democratic Forces reported being in very close combat with a group of seven, strongly defended, Daesh positions. Despite heavy cloud, the Typhoons were able to destroy one position on their first pass, then having confirmed the exact location of the other six targets, struck all of those simultaneously with Paveway IVs on a second pass.

On Saturday, 15 April, Typhoons continued their support for the SDF as they pushed east from Tabqah towards Raqqa, bombing a terrorist-held building.

On Monday, 17 April, Typhoons continued their support to the SDF west of Raqqah, and conducted a successful Paveway attack on a group of terrorists positioned in a treeline to the south of Tabqah.

Source: Ministry of Defence (Crown Copyright, OGL)

Photo: ‘Shark Attack’ by Squadron Leader John Eklund, an RAF Reservist with 7644(VR) Squadron. An RAF Typhoon appears like a shark from the depths. This photograph was taken from the back of a transport aircraft over a lake in the Baltic region where the Typhoons are currently deployed in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Role. Typhoons also secure the skies over the UK and the Falkland Islands to protect the Nation’s airspace. In order to do this they maintain a constant 24/7 QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) force. RAF Typhoons were also deployed in support of Op ELLAMY over Libya.Sqn Ldr John Eklund is an RAF Reservist and in his military role he works for 7644(VR) Media and Communications Squadron based at RAF High Wycombe.