UK uses Brimstone missiles on Islamic State in Syria

The UK’s Royal Air Force have used radar-guided ground attack Brimstone missiles for the first time against Islamic State targets in Syria. Four Brimstone missiles were deployed on two missions, British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Downing Street office has confirmed.

The Brimstone missile was used by the UK government to strengthen its case in the run-up to the vote in the House of Commons on extending airstrikes to Syria as being a unique British contribution. The ministers said that the missile’s accuracy meant that it was better placed in helping to avoid civilian casualties.

One missile was used against enemy positions near the ISIS de-facto capital Raqqa, including targeting an ISIS vehicle. Three Brimstone missiles were also used in an attack on the Omar oilfield on the same day. There were also three other RAF missions in Syria that did not use Brimstone missiles, including striking enemy tunnels near Raqqa.