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RAF to extend Tornado strikes in Iraq
DB News: 04/08/2015 - 11:37
The 12 (bomber) squadron is currently leading air strike mission in northern Iraq and will continue to offer precision firepower, intelligence and surveillance to support Iraqi ground forces.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “ISIL [IS] terrorists pose a threat the security of Iraq, Syria, the wider region and to the streets of Britain. It is therefore our duty to ensure that the UK continues to play its part to defeat this barbaric regime.
“Our aircraft have flown thousands of missions and RAF Tornados have carried out hundreds of strikes, helping Iraqi forces push back ISIL [IS] from the Kurdish region and out of key towns such as Tikrit and Bayji.
“We want to ensure we maintain this crucial operational tempo and so we will extend the lifetime of Number 12 Squadron for a further year to March 2017. This will allow us to sustain our effort, helping the Iraqis lead the fight on the ground.”
In response to the announcement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, said: “The decision to retain the third Tornado GR4 squadron for a further year is welcome news. It is clear that the requirement for fast jet precision strike and intelligence gathering shows no sign of diminishing; extending the life of Number 12 (Bomber) Squadron will allow the Royal Air Force to continue to provide a unique and hugely valuable contribution to the coalition fight against Da’esh [IS]. I offer my sincere thanks to all the men and women of the RAF who operate and support this vital capability and for the part they have, and will continue to, play in the campaign.”
