UK confirms drone strike killed ISIS member in Idlib
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The British Ministry of Defense confirmed on Sunday that it had targeted and eliminated a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) using a drone strike in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria, according to a report by a British newspaper.
According to The Sun, the targeted strike was carried out by a Royal Air Force (RAF) Reaper drone, which tracked the ISIS operative riding a motorcycle in the town of Sarmada, northwest Syria.
After a period of close surveillance, the drone launched a precision Hellfire missile, instantly killing the individual.
The Reaper drone used in the operation is valued at £24 million.
In a statement, the British Ministry of Defense emphasized that the drone crew had closely monitored the target and ensured the area was free of civilians before conducting the strike.
“The Reaper’s crew carefully tracked the terrorist on his motorcycle,” the ministry said.
“Having checked that there were no signs of civilians nearby who might be placed at risk, [they] conducted a successful engagement, striking the motorcycle and eliminating the terrorist,” the ministry added.
On June 10, a drone from the U.S.-led Global Coalition struck a motorcycle near the city of Dana in the northern countryside of Idlib.