Armed British RAF jets have been deployed on their first mission in Iraq since UK lawmakers voted to authorize military strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in the country.
A Ministry of Defense Spokesman (MOD) confirmed on Saturday that"Royal Air Force Tornados continue to fly over Iraq and are now ready to be used in an attack role as and when appropriate targets are identified."
The spokesman added that no running commentary on the jets' movements would be forthcoming, but they"are pleased with the response time achieved."
On Friday, lawmakers in Britain's House of Commons voted overwhelmingly to take part in military action against Islamic State (IS formerly ISIS/ISIL).
The motion proposed by Prime Minister David Cameron's government was passed by 524 votes to 43 a majority of 481.
Britains three biggest parties, coalition government partners the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, plus the opposition Labour party, all officially backed the bombing campaign. The government insisted the intervention was legal under international law because it was requested by the Iraqi prime minister.
The motion did not propose any UK involvement in airstrikes in Syria, where a US-Arab coalition began bombing IS militants on Tuesday. A year ago, British MPs rejected airstrikes on Syria to oppose the government of President Bashar Assad.