Known Islamic State terrorist killed in RAF Reaper strike in northwest Syria

A known member of the so-called Islamic State jihadist group has been killed in a targeted strike by a remotely piloted RAF Reaper in northwest Syria.

The operators of the Reaper MQ-9A, which was armed with Hellfire missiles, identified the terrorist as he was riding a motorcycle in the area of Sarmada.

The Ministry of Defence said the crew then tracked the man on his bike, checking to ensure there were no signs of civilians nearby who might be placed at risk.  

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The Reaper then conducted a successful engagement, striking the motorcycle and eliminating the terrorist.

Royal Air Force Reapers have been deployed to the Middle East to take part in Operation Shader missions over Iraq and Syria for more than a decade.

The Reaper MQ-9A is a remotely piloted medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) aircraft designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), and attack missions.

The MOD says the aircraft's ability to stay airborne for up to 30 hours and its array of surveillance sensors are an essential complement to the RAF's crewed aircraft, such as the Typhoon and F-35.

British Reapers were first used in action in 2007 against the Taliban in Afghanistan

Despite the type's success, it will eventually be replaced in RAF service by the Protector MQ-9B, essentially a development of the Reaper.

Like the MQ-9A, the MQ-9B is a remotely piloted MALE long endurance aircraft.

The Protector will be deployed on ISTAR operations where its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will offer the RAF a vastly improved armed capability.

Crucially, the Protector is certified to stringent Nato safety and certification standards, allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.

This means it will be able to undertake a wider range of tasks, including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counter terrorism, and offer support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.