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RAF jets sent on Iraqi combat mission RAF jets sent on Iraqi combat mission
(35 minutes later)
Two RAF armed jets are on their first combat mission over Iraq since Parliament authorised air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants. Two RAF jets are on their first combat mission over Iraq since Parliament authorised air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants.
The Tornado jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.The Tornado jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
It said the planes were "ready to use in an attack role as and when appropriate targets are identified".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 against the militants in Iraq. The action comes after Parliament voted by 524 votes to 43 to take action against IS in Iraq, but not Syria.
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.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.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.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.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.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.""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. At the scene: BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale
Warplanes circled through Friday night and explosions were heard in the early hours, the BBC's Paul Wood reported from the area. We were taken to the runway at RAF Akrotiri to witness the Tornados preparing for their first potential combat mission.
Two of the six Tornados deployed to Cyprus taxied to the runway. You could clearly see the laser-guided bombs and missiles loaded and armed as well as a rapid-firing cannon as they took off.
Though RAF Tornados have been flying reconnaissance missions over Iraq for the past six weeks, this was very different. From now on they've been authorised to hit targets on the ground.
It's likely to be the first of many missions - the start of what could be another long war involving British forces.
IS - also known as Isis or Isil - controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq after rapid advances through the region in the summer.
It has been using the Syrian city of Raqqa as the capital of its self-declared caliphate.
IS militants who had besieged the town of Kobane near Syria's border with Turkey 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 said.
The United States has been carrying out air strikes in northern Iraq since mid-August, and was supported by the French since last week. About 40 countries in total, including several from the Middle East, have joined the US in taking action against IS.
Prime Minister David Cameron said British aircrafts were there to "play out part" in the international coalition amassed against IS.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon told BBC Newsnight that the aim in Iraq was to "push" IS out of the country and improve its security situation within its "existing borders".
"You should not expect immediate shock and awe - a wave of fighters or bombers taking off," he said.
At least two British hostages are thought to be being held by IS - journalist John Cantlie and taxi driver Alan Henning, who had been delivering humanitarian aid to Syria.
The defence secretary said the UK would not allow "overall strategic decisions" to be affected by the plight of the men.
"Both those lives very sadly are in danger anyway," Mr Fallon said.
Who are Islamic State (IS)?