British drone conducts airstrike in Syrian desert

On Tuesday, 18 June 2024, a Royal Air Force (RAF) Reaper drone successfully carried out an airstrike in the Syrian desert, targeting a known Daesh terrorist.

Details of the strike were released today by the Ministry of Defence.

The strike is part of the UK’s ongoing involvement in international efforts to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist organisation in both Syria and Iraq.

The Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft armed with Hellfire missiles, tracked the individual on foot in a remote area.

In the announcement, the MoD say that after ensuring there were no civilians in the vicinity, the crew executed a precise strike, eliminating the target. According to the Ministry of Defence, “Having confirmed that there were no civilians in the area that might be placed at risk, the Reaper’s crew conducted a successful strike on this individual.”

The Hellfire missile, used in this operation, is a laser-guided, air-to-ground missile designed for precision targeting. Initially developed for anti-armour purposes, it has become essential in counter-terrorism missions due to its accuracy, making it ideal for targeting individuals or small groups while minimising the risk of collateral damage.

This mission forms part of Operation Shader, the UK’s long-standing involvement in the global coalition against Daesh, which began in 2014. Operation Shader has seen RAF aircraft deployed in Iraq and Syria, conducting numerous airstrikes, surveillance operations, and providing support to local forces in the ongoing battle against Daesh.

Source » ukdefencejournal.org.uk