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RAF jets sent on Iraqi mission RAF jets sent on Iraqi combat mission
(35 minutes later)
Two RAF armed jets are on their first mission over Iraq since Parliament authorised air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants. Two RAF armed jets are on their first combat mission over Iraq since Parliament authorised air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Tornado jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The Tornado jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
The planes were loaded with laser-guided bombs and missiles. It is not known if they were carrying out strike missions or when they will return. It said the planes were "ready to use in an attack role as and when appropriate targets are identified".
The action comes after Parliament voted by 524 votes to 43 to take action. The action comes after Parliament voted by 524 votes to 43 to take action against the militants in Iraq.
RAF Tornados have been flying reconnaissance missions over Iraq for the past six weeks, but these are the first flights since they have been authorised to launch air strikes.
The planes were loaded with laser-guided bombs and missiles.
BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said it was possible the planes would return without having used their weapons, but that would be confirmed only later.
The Tornados, which were reported to have taken off at 08:30 BST, were supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft.
Besieged
The Ministry of Defence said: "We can confirm that, following parliamentary approval given yesterday, RAF Tornados continue to fly over Iraq and are now ready to be used in an attack role as and when appropriate targets are identified.
"For operational security reasons we will not be providing a running commentary on movements; we will provide an update on activity when it is appropriate to do so."
In Syria, IS militants who had besieged the town of Kobane on the Turkish border are reported to have been targeted by air strikes.
Warplanes circled through Friday night and explosions were heard in the early hours, the BBC's Paul Wood reported from the area.