RAF Engaging ISIS Targets in Battle for Mosul

RAF Air Support for Iraqi Forces Liberating Western Mosul

The RAF has continued to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian causalities.

Typhoons Launch Paveway IVs at Fortified ISIS Positions Near Kirkuk

As Daesh continue to be driven out of areas of western Mosul by the Iraqi offensive to liberate the city, operations also continued against other pockets of Daesh occupation. Two Typhoons based at RAF Akrotiri targeted a fortified network of defensive positions, some 17 miles south-west of Kirkuk on Thursday 30 March. Three Paveway IV guided bombs were dropped in a simultaneous attack on two buildings within a Daesh-held compound, and a third building a short distance to the south. All three targets were destroyed.

Tornado Patrol Turns Into Attack Mission Over Mosul

On Sunday 2 April, Tornados, supported by a Voyager air tanker, patrolled over western Mosul. When Iraqi forces came under Daesh mortar fire, the Tornados’ aircrew were able to identify the mortar team firing their weapon out of the ground floor of a large building. This allowed the Tornados to achieve a clear line of fire for a Brimstone missile, which scored a direct hit on the mortar team while causing minimal damage to the rest of the building.

Targeted Strikes Through Cloud Cover Destroy ISIS Mortar Positions

Tornados and Typhoons conducted attacks in western Mosul on Monday 3 April, also against Daesh mortars. The Typhoons had to bomb through cloud, but the Iraqi ground forces, only metres away, reported that the terrorist position had been struck accurately. The Tornados, also hampered by cloud, targeted a mortar that was firing on an Iraqi unit from the top storey of a tall building. A Paveway IV was employed with a carefully selected fuse setting, and it successfully demolished just the uppermost storey, leaving the rest of the building intact.

Source: Ministry of Defence.

Photo: Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 by SAC Tim Laurence (Crown Copyright, 2016).