UK launches air strikes on IS-controlled oil field in Syria
The RAF carried out a number of “successful” air strikes on oil fields controlled by the Islamic State, the Ministry of Defence says.
Four RAF Tornado GR4 jets carried out the bombing shortly after MPs voted in favour of extending air strikes to Syria on Wednesday night, where the motion passed 397 to 223 after a 10-hour debate in the House of Commons.
Shortly after the vote, David Cameron said:
“I believe the House has taken the right decision to keep the UK safe – military action in Syria as one part of a broader strategy.”
For the UK’s first bombing mission in Syria, the Tornado jets were supported on their mission by a reaper drone and a Voyager air refuelling tanker, and operated the mission in conjunction with other coalition aircraft.
The strikes targeted the Omar oilfield, which is located 35 miles inside Syria’s eastern border with Iraq and is one of the largest under IS control, producing an estimated 10% of the groups oil revenues.