Thursday 30 March – Typhoons attacked three Daesh targets that formed part of a defensive network south-west of Kirkuk…

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.

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.