Isis air strikes: RAF targets Saddam Hussein's former palace as Iraq bombing campaign continues

The RAF has bombed an opulent palace built by Saddam Hussein and taken over by Isis, as it continues supporting the US-led coalition in Syria and Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the sprawling complex in the Iraqi city of Mosul was being used as a major headquarters and centre for the terrorist group’s training of foreign recruits.

“The complex, sat in a large secure compound next to the Tigris River, included not just the main palace building, used as an accommodation and meeting venue by the terrorists, but also a number of more discreet outbuildings used for command and control, training, internal security and repression,” a spokesperson said.

The landscaped gardens could be seen being covered in smoke in cockpit footage released by the MoD, showing at least four missiles hitting their targets.

Britain was one of seven countries taking part in the “successful” air raid on the palace on Monday, with the RAF sending two Tornados carrying guided Paveway missiles, which were used to target the main headquarters and a security centre.

Michael Fallon, the new Defence Secretary, praised the operation, adding: “Daesh (Isis) has been losing followers and territory for months, and emphatic strikes like this show that we and the coalition will not waver.

“Daesh fighters, both foreign and home grown, can see that they are targets inside this cult.”

The "Palace of Swords", constructed in 1994, was one of 50 luxury mansions built by Saddam, who was executed in 2006 following the US-led invasion of Iraq.

It once featured man-made lakes, waterfalls, underground bunkers and extensive gardens, and was re-purposed as a base for coalition forces during the Iraq War.

It sits on the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city and the de-facto capital of the so-called Islamic State’s de-facto capital in the country.

It is expected to be the next major target after militants were driven out of Fallujah.

The RAF is also supporting operations against Isis around Manbij in Syria, where coalition-supported ground forces are fighting to regain swathes of territory along the Turkish border.

On Monday it sent Typhoons to destroy fortifications as the Syrian Democratic Forces advanced, while Reaper drones were deployed for air support on Thursday and Saturday.

Other recent operations have seen the RAF target Isis fighters in northern and western Iraq, as well as Isis’ western boundary around Mar’a in Syria.

Mr Fallon visited British personnel stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Tuesday, where he announced the deployment of more UK troops to train Iraqi forces later this month.

“These troops will bolster a campaign that has Daesh on the back foot,” the Defence Secretary said.

“The uplift underlines that Britain is stepping up, not stepping back from our International commitments following the EU referendum.”