RAF drone blasts top ISIS extremist linked to chemical and biological weapons

13 March 2023 , 16:41

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The Reaper drone unleashed two Hellfire missiles (Image: PA)

An RAF drone blasted a top ISIS terrorist involved with a chemical and biological weapons, MPs were told tonight.

The MQ(9A) unleashed its fearsome firepower on the Islamic extremist while it flew above northern Syria, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the Commons.

The air strike came as part of Operation Shader, the Ministry of Defence’s codename for the military campaign against ISIS, which it calls Daesh, in Syria and Iraq.

Outlining the details of the raid, Mr Wallace said: “An RAF Reaper remotely-piloted aircraft conducted a strike against a leading Daesh member in Al-Abab, Northern Syria.

“The individual’s activity was related to chemical and biological weapons.

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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace updated MPs (HOC/UNPIXS)

“The Reaper’s crew minimised potential risks to civilians before firing two Hellfire missiles, both of which struck the target accurately.

“Actions like these are vital to degrading the terrorist threat, protecting British citizens and supporting our international partners.”

The RAF has 10 Reaper drones operated by a three-man crew based at RAF Waddington near Lincoln - 3,000 miles from Syria.

The 288mph aircraft can fly above 30,000ft for up to 12 hours while armed.

The Reaper MQ(9A) can stay airborne for up to 12 hours (PA)

Mr Wallace revealed the strike took place “in late December” but has only now been made public.

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Ben Glaze