'RAF Targeting British Jihadists In Middle East Who Plot Against UK'
The RAF has been "secretly assassinating" British jihadists who are plotting terror attacks against the UK from the Middle East, according to reports.
Warplanes and drones have been working through a "kill list" of targets in Iraq and Syria, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.
Air Vice-Marshal Tony Mason, a retired senior RAF commander, told Forces News he is surprised this information has been released, stating that "targeting intelligence is usually highly classified".
The former Air Secretary said:
"The RAF are part of a coalition targeting plan, where nationalities are unlikely to be a priority.
"Intelligence services will try to obtain ISIS identifications, and it is likely there are a few Brits among them.
"However, I would be surprised if any have been confirmed as British."
In response to the reports, an MoD spokesperson said:
"If you are fighting for Daesh in Iraq and Syria then you will be targeted, irrespective of nationality.
"The UK is committed to the defeat of Daesh and publishes regular updates on air strikes conducted by the RAF.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron sparked outcry in September 2015, when he authorised a drone strike which killed two British jihadis in Syria.
RAF jets continue to support Iraqi forces as they continue to battle IS for control of Mosul.
Militarised police have taken over parts of Mosul International Airport, during clashes with IS on the runway.
The advance is part of a major assault that started five days ago to drive militants from the western half of Mosul.
Two officers said the airport buildings are under fire from federal police forces, and troops from the US-led coalition are with the advance.
Since the operation began on Sunday, Iraqi forces say they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city.
Mosul fell to IS in summer 2014, along with large areas of northern and western Iraq.
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