Monday 22 May – Typhoons struck a large Daesh-held building near Raqqa, Tornados hit two terrorist positions in western Mosul…

The RAF is continuing 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 casualties.

Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to provide close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces, and to Iraqi troops fighting to liberate the remaining areas of west Mosul held by Daesh. On Monday 22 May, Typhoon FGR4s assisted SDF engaged in close combat with a group of terrorists defending a large building some eight miles south-east of Raqqa; two Paveway IV guided bombs struck the building and eliminated the threat successfully. Tornado GR4s patrolled over Mosul, where they also used Paveway IVs to deal with two Daesh positions which the Iraqi forces encountered.