UK - Four RAF Fighters Join Syrian Bombing Campaign

A series of coordinated airstrikes took place Friday by both U.S. and France against the Syrian Regime and the RAF aided with four fighters of their own. The airstrikes were in response to the use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons in an attack on the Syrian town of Douma last week. The UK Prime Minister Theresa May said there was "no practicable alternative to the use of force" against the Syrian regime. The airstrikes are an attempt to deter the Syrian regime from using chemical weapons and even Prime Minister May agrees on the need for military action.

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Ironically, although the airstrikes were in response to the use of chemical weapons which violate international law, the Syrian state media criticized the strikes as being a "violation of international law." So far, several large explosions have been reported in the Syrian capital Damascus which appears to be at least one of the targets of the coalition's airstrikes. Prime Minister May also said the Syrian regime demonstrated a "persistent pattern of behavior" when it comes to the use of chemical weapons that "must be stopped".

"We have sought to use every possible diplomatic channel to achieve this," Prime Minister May continued. "This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change. It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties."

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The four RAF jets used in the attack are known as Tornado jets which have been a mainstay of the Royal Air Force since they first entered the service in 1980. The aircraft are armed with Storm Shadow cruise missiles which can provide pinpoint precision at long ranges. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the four RAF Tornados launched Storm Shadow missiles at the Syrian military facility.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said, "The international community has responded decisively with legal and proportionate military force. Let these united actions send a clear message to the regime - the use of chemical weapons is categorically unacceptable and you will be held to account."

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Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605