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| Syria airstrikes: Britain launches 'offensive operation' after vote to bomb Isis targets – live updates | Syria airstrikes: Britain launches 'offensive operation' after vote to bomb Isis targets – live updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 10.28am GMT10:28 | |
| Alex Salmond is unhappy about the deployment of jets from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray: | |
| The UK has deployed jets from Scotland to bomb Syria less than 12 hours since 57 out of 59 Scots MP rejected these actions. #DontBombSyria | |
| SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson said last night that 72% of Scots were opposed to airstrikes. | |
| Updated at 10.31am GMT | |
| 10.23am GMT10:23 | |
| The Guardian is asking readers how they would have voted. You can share your thoughts here. | |
| 10.16am GMT10:16 | |
| After Hilary Benn’s speech in favour of airstrikes in Syria was cheered by members of both benches, the shadow defence secretary has been installed as the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader. | |
| Two weeks ago, Hilary Benn was 25/1 to be next Labour leader. Today, he's 3/1 favourite. https://t.co/42czQ9XwAb pic.twitter.com/eRljB0QxI0 | |
| William Hill is offering odds of 20/1 that before the end of 2020, Hillary Clinton will be US President and Hilary Benn will be UK Prime Minister, at the same time. | |
| The Telegraph said: “Hilary Benn didn’t just look like the leader of the opposition. He looked like the prime minister.” | |
| Even the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, praised Benn’s oratory, although he warned of the potential consequences: | |
| I thought Hilary’s oratory was great. It reminded me of Tony Blair’s speech taking us into the Iraq War. | |
| I’m always anxious that sometimes the greatest oratory can lead us to the greatest mistakes, as well. | |
| Updated at 10.16am GMT | |
| 9.58am GMT09:58 | 9.58am GMT09:58 |
| Here is video of the defence secretary, Michael Fallon, explaining the RAF’s targets in the overnight airstrikes: | Here is video of the defence secretary, Michael Fallon, explaining the RAF’s targets in the overnight airstrikes: |
| 9.57am GMT09:57 | 9.57am GMT09:57 |
| This BBC tool allows you to see which way your MP voted: | This BBC tool allows you to see which way your MP voted: |
| Did your MP vote for air strikes in Syria? Find out here https://t.co/KTuSDcUpXx pic.twitter.com/HcGwDgHWsb | Did your MP vote for air strikes in Syria? Find out here https://t.co/KTuSDcUpXx pic.twitter.com/HcGwDgHWsb |
| 9.50am GMT09:50 | 9.50am GMT09:50 |
| The Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, who voted against the airstrikes has written an interesting blog for the Huffington Post. She writes about the difficulty of deciding which way to vote and condemns the righteousness of those who have complete certainty that they were in the right: | The Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, who voted against the airstrikes has written an interesting blog for the Huffington Post. She writes about the difficulty of deciding which way to vote and condemns the righteousness of those who have complete certainty that they were in the right: |
| I’m not revelling in my decision, I’m living with it. I’m not pleased to see the hyperbolic back slapping righteous tweets of some at the top of my party speaking of death tolls, and civilian losses. I don’t like any language about how this being blood on our hands or any such platitude. People will die no matter what decision was made. Feeling right won’t stop the death toll. People will die at the hands of Daesh in the east and west regardless of our vote. I won’t sleep sounder tonight feeling righteous any more than I did last night feeling worried. | I’m not revelling in my decision, I’m living with it. I’m not pleased to see the hyperbolic back slapping righteous tweets of some at the top of my party speaking of death tolls, and civilian losses. I don’t like any language about how this being blood on our hands or any such platitude. People will die no matter what decision was made. Feeling right won’t stop the death toll. People will die at the hands of Daesh in the east and west regardless of our vote. I won’t sleep sounder tonight feeling righteous any more than I did last night feeling worried. |
| Each and every MP made an impossible decision. It’s not bravery it’s not noble, it is our job. We were elected to do it so other people didn’t have to. Don’t let’s gloat about our decisions from any side please. | Each and every MP made an impossible decision. It’s not bravery it’s not noble, it is our job. We were elected to do it so other people didn’t have to. Don’t let’s gloat about our decisions from any side please. |
| Phillips also says that many of the emails she received ahead of the vote were clearly from pressure groups, from the accounts of people who were not party members and in some cases not even on the electoral register. | Phillips also says that many of the emails she received ahead of the vote were clearly from pressure groups, from the accounts of people who were not party members and in some cases not even on the electoral register. |
| 9.40am GMT09:40 | 9.40am GMT09:40 |
| Sean Clarke | Sean Clarke |
| Here is a breakdown of how the parties voted: | Here is a breakdown of how the parties voted: |
| 9.34am GMT09:34 | 9.34am GMT09:34 |
| Shaun Walker | Shaun Walker |
| In Moscow, Putin is giving his annual address to Russia’s elite, with one of the main themes being the fight against terrorism and Moscow’s bombing campaign in Syria. He starts by thanking Russian servicemen “fighting international terrorism”. He says Russia has known what terrorism is over the years and says the current Russian campaign in Syria is “a fight for freedom, truth and justice”. | In Moscow, Putin is giving his annual address to Russia’s elite, with one of the main themes being the fight against terrorism and Moscow’s bombing campaign in Syria. He starts by thanking Russian servicemen “fighting international terrorism”. He says Russia has known what terrorism is over the years and says the current Russian campaign in Syria is “a fight for freedom, truth and justice”. |
| Putin again calls for a unified coalition to fight terrorism, and says it is unacceptable to delineate between different terrorist groups. The Russian airstrikes have hit many groups that western countries do not consider terrorists. Putin also makes it clear once again who he blames for the current terrorist threat. | Putin again calls for a unified coalition to fight terrorism, and says it is unacceptable to delineate between different terrorist groups. The Russian airstrikes have hit many groups that western countries do not consider terrorists. Putin also makes it clear once again who he blames for the current terrorist threat. |
| Iraq, Libya and Syria have turned into zones of chaos and anarchy which threaten the whole world. And of course we know why this happened. We know who wanted to change inconvenient regimes, and crudely impose their rules. And what was the result? They made a mess, ruined the states, turned different peoples against each other and then, as we say in Russia, washed their hands of the places, opening the road for radicals, extremists and terrorists. | Iraq, Libya and Syria have turned into zones of chaos and anarchy which threaten the whole world. And of course we know why this happened. We know who wanted to change inconvenient regimes, and crudely impose their rules. And what was the result? They made a mess, ruined the states, turned different peoples against each other and then, as we say in Russia, washed their hands of the places, opening the road for radicals, extremists and terrorists. |
| Updated at 9.37am GMT | Updated at 9.37am GMT |
| 9.28am GMT09:28 | 9.28am GMT09:28 |
| The Ministry of Defence has released a statement on the airstrikes. It says initial analysis suggests the strikes were successful: | The Ministry of Defence has released a statement on the airstrikes. It says initial analysis suggests the strikes were successful: |
| Overnight, RAF Tornado GR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker and a Reaper, and operating in conjunction with other coalition aircraft, employed Paveway IV guided bombs to conduct strikes against six targets within the extensive oilfield at Omar, 35 miles inside Syria’s eastern border with Iraq. The Omar oilfield is one of the largest and most important to Daesh’s financial operations, and represents over 10% of their potential income from oil. Carefully selected elements of the oilfield infrastructure were targeted, ensuring the strikes will have a significant impact on Daesh’s ability to extract the oil to fund their terrorism. | Overnight, RAF Tornado GR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker and a Reaper, and operating in conjunction with other coalition aircraft, employed Paveway IV guided bombs to conduct strikes against six targets within the extensive oilfield at Omar, 35 miles inside Syria’s eastern border with Iraq. The Omar oilfield is one of the largest and most important to Daesh’s financial operations, and represents over 10% of their potential income from oil. Carefully selected elements of the oilfield infrastructure were targeted, ensuring the strikes will have a significant impact on Daesh’s ability to extract the oil to fund their terrorism. |
| Coalition air operations have already degraded Daesh’s frontline military capabilities and have assisted the Iraqi ground forces in liberating some 30% of the territory that the terrorists initially seized in that country during the summer of 2014. By extending RAF offensive operations into Syria, our aircraft are now able to help dismantle the means by which Daesh plan, direct and sustain their campaign of terror. | Coalition air operations have already degraded Daesh’s frontline military capabilities and have assisted the Iraqi ground forces in liberating some 30% of the territory that the terrorists initially seized in that country during the summer of 2014. By extending RAF offensive operations into Syria, our aircraft are now able to help dismantle the means by which Daesh plan, direct and sustain their campaign of terror. |
| Before our aircrew conducted their attacks, as is normal they used the aircraft’s advanced sensors to confirm that no civilians were in the proximity of the targets, who might be placed at risk. Our initial analysis of the operation indicates that the strikes were successful. | Before our aircrew conducted their attacks, as is normal they used the aircraft’s advanced sensors to confirm that no civilians were in the proximity of the targets, who might be placed at risk. Our initial analysis of the operation indicates that the strikes were successful. |
| Updated at 9.39am GMT | Updated at 9.39am GMT |
| 9.24am GMT09:24 | 9.24am GMT09:24 |
| Paddy Allen | Paddy Allen |
| This map shows the location of the airstrikes: | This map shows the location of the airstrikes: |
| 9.16am GMT09:16 | 9.16am GMT09:16 |
| Here is a list of the Labour MPs who voted in favour of airstrikes: | Here is a list of the Labour MPs who voted in favour of airstrikes: |
| ICYMI: Here are the 66 Labour MPs who backed Syria air strikes pic.twitter.com/wZS8XXWaxe | ICYMI: Here are the 66 Labour MPs who backed Syria air strikes pic.twitter.com/wZS8XXWaxe |
| Updated at 9.23am GMT | Updated at 9.23am GMT |
| 9.11am GMT09:11 | 9.11am GMT09:11 |
| Major General Jonathan Shaw, a former colonel commandant of the Parachute Regiment, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the military effect of Britain joining the bombing would be “marginal”, but that Britain’s participation had important symbolic value (quotes from PA): | Major General Jonathan Shaw, a former colonel commandant of the Parachute Regiment, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the military effect of Britain joining the bombing would be “marginal”, but that Britain’s participation had important symbolic value (quotes from PA): |
| We won’t have any more decisive effect than everyone else has had. The bombing campaign on Syria has been going on for some time and we are merely adding our - relatively speaking - small part to that battle. We should not expect any decisive shock to the air campaign. | We won’t have any more decisive effect than everyone else has had. The bombing campaign on Syria has been going on for some time and we are merely adding our - relatively speaking - small part to that battle. We should not expect any decisive shock to the air campaign. |
| What this bombing does is it makes the UK appear a wholehearted contributor to the campaign against Isis rather than a partial player. It’s very good in that respect, because it means when David Cameron sits down with other people in the Vienna talks, his voice carries more weight. | What this bombing does is it makes the UK appear a wholehearted contributor to the campaign against Isis rather than a partial player. It’s very good in that respect, because it means when David Cameron sits down with other people in the Vienna talks, his voice carries more weight. |
| Updated at 9.15am GMT | Updated at 9.15am GMT |
| 8.48am GMT08:48 | 8.48am GMT08:48 |
| Amid all the rancour within the parliamentary Labour party over last night’s vote, ConservativeHome’s Paul Goodman suggests Jeremy Corbyn – about whom he is otherwise very uncomplimentary – could benefit if public opinion turns against the airstrikes. In a blogpost headlined “Nine consequences of yesterday’s Commons vote”, he writes: | Amid all the rancour within the parliamentary Labour party over last night’s vote, ConservativeHome’s Paul Goodman suggests Jeremy Corbyn – about whom he is otherwise very uncomplimentary – could benefit if public opinion turns against the airstrikes. In a blogpost headlined “Nine consequences of yesterday’s Commons vote”, he writes: |
| His leadership of Labour is a dog’s breakfast, lunch and dinner – over yesterday evening’s vote and everything else. It is almost impossible to imagine him winning the general election in 2020. He may well have been deposed by then. Among those opposing him yesterday were his own deputy and his defence spokesman. But if voters turn against bombing, he is placed to profit. He would claim that he took a stand on principle, and has been proved right. | His leadership of Labour is a dog’s breakfast, lunch and dinner – over yesterday evening’s vote and everything else. It is almost impossible to imagine him winning the general election in 2020. He may well have been deposed by then. Among those opposing him yesterday were his own deputy and his defence spokesman. But if voters turn against bombing, he is placed to profit. He would claim that he took a stand on principle, and has been proved right. |
| Updated at 9.18am GMT | Updated at 9.18am GMT |
| 8.38am GMT08:38 | 8.38am GMT08:38 |
| Speaking to LBC radio, the defence secretary, Michael Fallon, said the UK was “bringing a precision to the strikes that limits collateral damage”. | Speaking to LBC radio, the defence secretary, Michael Fallon, said the UK was “bringing a precision to the strikes that limits collateral damage”. |
| He said this precision had been in play in Iraq but not in Syria until now (which doesn’t say much for Britain’s allies). | He said this precision had been in play in Iraq but not in Syria until now (which doesn’t say much for Britain’s allies). |
| He said two Tornados and six Typhoons were on their way to the region, doubling the number of British aircraft taking part in airstrikes. | He said two Tornados and six Typhoons were on their way to the region, doubling the number of British aircraft taking part in airstrikes. |
| Updated at 9.29am GMT | Updated at 9.29am GMT |
| 8.32am GMT08:32 | 8.32am GMT08:32 |
| Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
| Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently, the activist collective which operates inside the city, has come out publicly against the aerial campaign, saying it was pointless without anyone on the ground fighting Isis and that if Britain wants to help Syrians it ought to accept more refugees. Here’s a series of tweets they put out overnight: | Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently, the activist collective which operates inside the city, has come out publicly against the aerial campaign, saying it was pointless without anyone on the ground fighting Isis and that if Britain wants to help Syrians it ought to accept more refugees. Here’s a series of tweets they put out overnight: |
| 1-we are against the #UK strikes on #Raqqa all the world is bombing #Raqqa UK will not make any change in The situation #Syria #ISIL | 1-we are against the #UK strikes on #Raqqa all the world is bombing #Raqqa UK will not make any change in The situation #Syria #ISIL |
| 2-if #UK want to help people then they should Accepts Syrian Refugees in there country and not close the border #Syria #ISIS #ISIL | 2-if #UK want to help people then they should Accepts Syrian Refugees in there country and not close the border #Syria #ISIS #ISIL |
| 3-Just bombing #ISIS In #Raqqa from the sky will not Defeat #ISIS but it will make people Suffers more #Syria #ISIL | 3-Just bombing #ISIS In #Raqqa from the sky will not Defeat #ISIS but it will make people Suffers more #Syria #ISIL |
| 4-#ISIS will use #UK strikes to Recruit new people in the west and new fighters and maybe they will do Terrorist attacks #Syria #ISIL | 4-#ISIS will use #UK strikes to Recruit new people in the west and new fighters and maybe they will do Terrorist attacks #Syria #ISIL |
| 5-the Strange thing is all the world want to fight #ISIS but not even 1 country Dare to send 1 soldier to fight #IS on the ground #Syria | 5-the Strange thing is all the world want to fight #ISIS but not even 1 country Dare to send 1 soldier to fight #IS on the ground #Syria |
| 6-which make #ISIS propaganda more stronger to recruit new people and make them look like they are on the right side and the good people | 6-which make #ISIS propaganda more stronger to recruit new people and make them look like they are on the right side and the good people |
| 7-using some groups not from the area by some countries for the Liberation of #Raqqa is a big mistake that #ISIS use it to make people join | 7-using some groups not from the area by some countries for the Liberation of #Raqqa is a big mistake that #ISIS use it to make people join |
| 8-them and it make a sensitivity between the people of the area that could lead to another kind of war in the end #Syria #ISIS #ISIL #Raqqa | 8-them and it make a sensitivity between the people of the area that could lead to another kind of war in the end #Syria #ISIS #ISIL #Raqqa |
| 8.28am GMT08:28 | 8.28am GMT08:28 |
| The French president, François Hollande, has welcomed the British airstrikes. Here is the statement released by his office: | The French president, François Hollande, has welcomed the British airstrikes. Here is the statement released by his office: |
| The President welcomed the first British air operations over Syria intervened this morning immediately after the vote obtained yesterday by a large majority in parliament. | The President welcomed the first British air operations over Syria intervened this morning immediately after the vote obtained yesterday by a large majority in parliament. |
| 8.25am GMT08:25 | 8.25am GMT08:25 |
| Fallon says: | Fallon says: |
| We need to remorselessly squeeze the terrorists and one way is to cut off their source of money and we made a start on that last night. | We need to remorselessly squeeze the terrorists and one way is to cut off their source of money and we made a start on that last night. |
| On the future of Syria, he says talks that began in Vienna are leading to a new transitional peace process. But that is not a reason to delay military action against Isis. | On the future of Syria, he says talks that began in Vienna are leading to a new transitional peace process. But that is not a reason to delay military action against Isis. |
| Fallon says the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, cannot stay as part of a settlement in Syria and that Russia is starting to realise that. But he refuses to say at what point Assad must depart. | Fallon says the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, cannot stay as part of a settlement in Syria and that Russia is starting to realise that. But he refuses to say at what point Assad must depart. |
| The last question is whether Cameron should have apologised for dubbing Corbyn a “terrorist sympathiser”. Fallon says he will not comment on something that may or may not have been said. | The last question is whether Cameron should have apologised for dubbing Corbyn a “terrorist sympathiser”. Fallon says he will not comment on something that may or may not have been said. |
| Updated at 9.20am GMT | Updated at 9.20am GMT |
| 8.17am GMT08:17 | 8.17am GMT08:17 |
| Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is on the Today programme now. | Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is on the Today programme now. |
| He confirms eight more RAF jets are en route to the UK base in Cyprus. | He confirms eight more RAF jets are en route to the UK base in Cyprus. |
| Asked what was achieved with the strikes last night he says oil revenue is essential for Isis and that’s why oilfields were struck. This will help cut off the finances of Isis and prevent them carrying out atrocities. | Asked what was achieved with the strikes last night he says oil revenue is essential for Isis and that’s why oilfields were struck. This will help cut off the finances of Isis and prevent them carrying out atrocities. |
| He says the UK is responding to the call from the UN to tackle Isis. | He says the UK is responding to the call from the UN to tackle Isis. |
| Fallon says the job will be done “when we’ve finally degraded and defeated this terrorist menace”, preventing the capability of Isis to carry out atrocities in Europe and terrorise the population of Raqqa. | Fallon says the job will be done “when we’ve finally degraded and defeated this terrorist menace”, preventing the capability of Isis to carry out atrocities in Europe and terrorise the population of Raqqa. |
| Updated at 9.21am GMT | Updated at 9.21am GMT |
| 8.09am GMT08:09 | 8.09am GMT08:09 |
| The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, described last night’s vote as a mistake. | The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, described last night’s vote as a mistake. |
| He compared Hilary Benn’s impassioned call to bomb Isis to Tony Blair’s speech before the Iraq war. Asked how he felt about a member of the shadow cabinet making a speech directly contradicting the Labour leader, McDonnell said: | He compared Hilary Benn’s impassioned call to bomb Isis to Tony Blair’s speech before the Iraq war. Asked how he felt about a member of the shadow cabinet making a speech directly contradicting the Labour leader, McDonnell said: |
| It made me proud that in the Labour party we allow people to vote with their conscience. | It made me proud that in the Labour party we allow people to vote with their conscience. |
| He was also asked about alleged threats to Labour MPs who were pro-airstrikes, including the likes of Stella Creasy. McDonnell said he had received a death threat for voting against, adding: | He was also asked about alleged threats to Labour MPs who were pro-airstrikes, including the likes of Stella Creasy. McDonnell said he had received a death threat for voting against, adding: |
| If you use that sort of language on either side … you should not be in the party. | If you use that sort of language on either side … you should not be in the party. |
| He said that he and Jeremy Corbyn would protect any Labour MPs who voted to bomb Isis from any threats of deselection. | He said that he and Jeremy Corbyn would protect any Labour MPs who voted to bomb Isis from any threats of deselection. |
| Responding to Labour MP Frank Field’s suggestion that there should be a separate parliamentary leader and party leader, as it was clear Corbyn did not have control of his MPs, McDonnell said Corbyn had commanded a majority on the issue among the party as a whole, and among the parliamentary Labour party and the shadow cabinet. | Responding to Labour MP Frank Field’s suggestion that there should be a separate parliamentary leader and party leader, as it was clear Corbyn did not have control of his MPs, McDonnell said Corbyn had commanded a majority on the issue among the party as a whole, and among the parliamentary Labour party and the shadow cabinet. |
| Updated at 8.31am GMT | Updated at 8.31am GMT |
| 8.02am GMT08:02 | 8.02am GMT08:02 |
| My colleague Haroon Siddique in London will be taking over our live coverage now. Here’s where we stand: | My colleague Haroon Siddique in London will be taking over our live coverage now. Here’s where we stand: |
| Updated at 8.36am GMT | Updated at 8.36am GMT |
| 7.57am GMT07:57 | 7.57am GMT07:57 |
| This is not the first western strike on the Omar oilfields, which were targeted in October as part of a new US-led strategy to hit Isis’s finances, the New York Times reports. | This is not the first western strike on the Omar oilfields, which were targeted in October as part of a new US-led strategy to hit Isis’s finances, the New York Times reports. |
| The first evidence of the new strategy came on Oct 21, when B-1 bombers and other allied warplanes hit 26 targets in the Omar oilfield, one of the two largest oil-production sites in all of Syria. American military analysts estimate the Omar field generates $1.7 million to $5.1 million per month for the Islamic State. French warplanes struck another oilfield nearby earlier this week. | The first evidence of the new strategy came on Oct 21, when B-1 bombers and other allied warplanes hit 26 targets in the Omar oilfield, one of the two largest oil-production sites in all of Syria. American military analysts estimate the Omar field generates $1.7 million to $5.1 million per month for the Islamic State. French warplanes struck another oilfield nearby earlier this week. |
| According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, coalition air raids on the Omar field have destroyed pipelines and oil storage facilities. A civilian was killed and several other civilians and Isis fighters have been wounded in previous strikes. | According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, coalition air raids on the Omar field have destroyed pipelines and oil storage facilities. A civilian was killed and several other civilians and Isis fighters have been wounded in previous strikes. |
| Updated at 8.36am GMT | Updated at 8.36am GMT |
| 7.47am GMT07:47 | 7.47am GMT07:47 |
| The defence secretary, Michael Fallon, has said that the RAF bombing raids targeted the Omar oilfield in eastern Syria, dealing a “real blow” to the financing of Isis.Fallon confirmed that he personally approved the targets in the Omar oilfield before Wednesday night’s House of Commons vote, and gave final permission for the raid to go ahead after MPs had given their approval for the extension of airstrikes from Iraq to Syria. He indicated that military action against Isis could be expected to continue for years, rather than months, telling BBC1’s Breakfast: “This is not going to be quick.” | The defence secretary, Michael Fallon, has said that the RAF bombing raids targeted the Omar oilfield in eastern Syria, dealing a “real blow” to the financing of Isis.Fallon confirmed that he personally approved the targets in the Omar oilfield before Wednesday night’s House of Commons vote, and gave final permission for the raid to go ahead after MPs had given their approval for the extension of airstrikes from Iraq to Syria. He indicated that military action against Isis could be expected to continue for years, rather than months, telling BBC1’s Breakfast: “This is not going to be quick.” |
| “I can confirm that four British Tornados were in action after the vote last night attacking oilfields in eastern Syria - the Omar oilfields - from which the Daesh terrorists receive a huge part of their revenue.” | “I can confirm that four British Tornados were in action after the vote last night attacking oilfields in eastern Syria - the Omar oilfields - from which the Daesh terrorists receive a huge part of their revenue.” |
| He added: “This strikes a very real blow at the oil and the revenue on which the Daesh terrorists depend.” | He added: “This strikes a very real blow at the oil and the revenue on which the Daesh terrorists depend.” |
| Updated at 8.35am GMT | Updated at 8.35am GMT |
| 7.32am GMT07:32 | 7.32am GMT07:32 |
| In a stream of tweets, the team of activists and journalists at Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently have expressed their opposition to the UK joining the bombing campaign in Syria. Here’s a sample: | In a stream of tweets, the team of activists and journalists at Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently have expressed their opposition to the UK joining the bombing campaign in Syria. Here’s a sample: |
| 1-we are against the #UK strikes on #Raqqa all the world is bombing #Raqqa UK will not make any change in The situation #Syria #ISIL | 1-we are against the #UK strikes on #Raqqa all the world is bombing #Raqqa UK will not make any change in The situation #Syria #ISIL |
| 2-if #UK want to help people then they should Accepts Syrian Refugees in there country and not close the border #Syria #ISIS #ISIL | 2-if #UK want to help people then they should Accepts Syrian Refugees in there country and not close the border #Syria #ISIS #ISIL |
| 3-Just bombing #ISIS In #Raqqa from the sky will not Defeat #ISIS but it will make people Suffers more #Syria #ISIL | 3-Just bombing #ISIS In #Raqqa from the sky will not Defeat #ISIS but it will make people Suffers more #Syria #ISIL |
| 4-#ISIS will use #UK strikes to Recruit new people in the west and new fighters and maybe they will do Terrorist attacks #Syria #ISIL | 4-#ISIS will use #UK strikes to Recruit new people in the west and new fighters and maybe they will do Terrorist attacks #Syria #ISIL |
| My colleague Kareem Shaheen interviewed a member of the group on Thursday, who said residents of Raqqa, the embattled Isis stronghold, would be indifferent to Britain’s decision to join the bombing of their city. | My colleague Kareem Shaheen interviewed a member of the group on Thursday, who said residents of Raqqa, the embattled Isis stronghold, would be indifferent to Britain’s decision to join the bombing of their city. |
| Related: Airstrikes have become routine for people in Raqqa, says activist | Related: Airstrikes have become routine for people in Raqqa, says activist |
| Overnight, the group posted an image they claim shows the site of the drone strike that killed Mohammed Emwazi last month in Raqqa. | Overnight, the group posted an image they claim shows the site of the drone strike that killed Mohammed Emwazi last month in Raqqa. |
| #Raqqa the place of the Drone strike that killed #JihadiJohn in #Raqqa on 12 Of NOV #Syria #ISIL #ISIS pic.twitter.com/xEJ4oPPRcQ | #Raqqa the place of the Drone strike that killed #JihadiJohn in #Raqqa on 12 Of NOV #Syria #ISIL #ISIS pic.twitter.com/xEJ4oPPRcQ |
| Updated at 8.56am GMT | Updated at 8.56am GMT |
| 7.19am GMT07:19 | 7.19am GMT07:19 |
| Some early reaction to news of this morning’s bombing of Isis targets in Syria: Sir Michael Graydon, former chief of the air staff, has told the BBC the targets of the airstrikes will have been carefully identified. | Some early reaction to news of this morning’s bombing of Isis targets in Syria: Sir Michael Graydon, former chief of the air staff, has told the BBC the targets of the airstrikes will have been carefully identified. |
| “The sort of targets that they’ve attacked, as I understand it on this occasion, will be very clear. There should be no doubt that these will be oil installations,” he said. | “The sort of targets that they’ve attacked, as I understand it on this occasion, will be very clear. There should be no doubt that these will be oil installations,” he said. |
| “Tanks, various logistics sort of places, will be on a target list – long identified and relatively easy to identify.” | “Tanks, various logistics sort of places, will be on a target list – long identified and relatively easy to identify.” |
| Updated at 8.57am GMT | Updated at 8.57am GMT |
| 6.48am GMT06:48 | 6.48am GMT06:48 |
| One critic of the British decision to begin airstrikes in Syria is Nicolas Hénin, a French journalist who was held hostage by Islamic State for 10 months and released in April 2014. | One critic of the British decision to begin airstrikes in Syria is Nicolas Hénin, a French journalist who was held hostage by Islamic State for 10 months and released in April 2014. |
| In a five-minute video said to have been recorded in the past few days in Paris and posted on YouTube by the Syria Campaign, Hénin said: “Strikes on Isis are a trap. The winner of this war will not be the parties that have the newest, most expensive, most sophisticated weaponry, but the party that manages to have the people on its side.” | In a five-minute video said to have been recorded in the past few days in Paris and posted on YouTube by the Syria Campaign, Hénin said: “Strikes on Isis are a trap. The winner of this war will not be the parties that have the newest, most expensive, most sophisticated weaponry, but the party that manages to have the people on its side.” |
| In his message, apparently timed to coincide with the UK’s parliamentary debate on joining Syria airstrikes, he said: “At the moment, with the bombings, we are more likely pushing the people into the hands of Isis. What we have to do, and this is really key, we have to engage the local people. | In his message, apparently timed to coincide with the UK’s parliamentary debate on joining Syria airstrikes, he said: “At the moment, with the bombings, we are more likely pushing the people into the hands of Isis. What we have to do, and this is really key, we have to engage the local people. |
| “As soon as the people have hope in the political solution, then Islamic State will just collapse. It will have no ground any more. It will collapse.” | “As soon as the people have hope in the political solution, then Islamic State will just collapse. It will have no ground any more. It will collapse.” |
| Read the full story here | Read the full story here |
| Updated at 8.58am GMT | Updated at 8.58am GMT |
| 6.45am GMT06:45 | 6.45am GMT06:45 |
| A key rationale in David Cameron’s case for airstrikes in Syria is the existence of 70,000 moderate Syrian ground troops who he says stand ready to work with foreign forces to retake Raqqa, Isis’ Syrian stronghold. | A key rationale in David Cameron’s case for airstrikes in Syria is the existence of 70,000 moderate Syrian ground troops who he says stand ready to work with foreign forces to retake Raqqa, Isis’ Syrian stronghold. |
| But as my colleague Ewan MacAskill writes, the PM has so far failed to clarify which groups make up these forces, where they are based, or their ideological hue. On Wednesday night Cameron also appeared to recast the readiness of these troops to take on Isis. | But as my colleague Ewan MacAskill writes, the PM has so far failed to clarify which groups make up these forces, where they are based, or their ideological hue. On Wednesday night Cameron also appeared to recast the readiness of these troops to take on Isis. |
| In a sign of backtracking, the prime minister made an important switch in emphasis from last week: from such a force being willing and ready on the ground to one that might be in the future. Such a future would require a peace settlement between President Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian army and the Free Syrian Army, freeing them all up to unite in the fight against Isis. | In a sign of backtracking, the prime minister made an important switch in emphasis from last week: from such a force being willing and ready on the ground to one that might be in the future. Such a future would require a peace settlement between President Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian army and the Free Syrian Army, freeing them all up to unite in the fight against Isis. |
| Read the full piece here | Read the full piece here |
| 6.34am GMT06:34 | 6.34am GMT06:34 |
| Wednesday’s decisive Commons debate will be remembered for Hilary Benn’s wind-up speech, in which he powerfully (but politely) challenged his own leader and asserted Labour’s claim to be the party of activist, hard-edged internationalism. Towards the end, he compared the imperative to bomb Isis in Syria to ‘why this entire House stood up against Hitler and Mussolini’. | Wednesday’s decisive Commons debate will be remembered for Hilary Benn’s wind-up speech, in which he powerfully (but politely) challenged his own leader and asserted Labour’s claim to be the party of activist, hard-edged internationalism. Towards the end, he compared the imperative to bomb Isis in Syria to ‘why this entire House stood up against Hitler and Mussolini’. |
| 6.15am GMT06:15 | 6.15am GMT06:15 |
| Summary | Summary |
| Hours after the UK parliament voted to authorise airstrikes in Syria RAF jets have flown their first sorties. Here’s what we know so far: | Hours after the UK parliament voted to authorise airstrikes in Syria RAF jets have flown their first sorties. Here’s what we know so far: |
| Updated at 6.43am GMT | Updated at 6.43am GMT |
| 5.47am GMT05:47 | 5.47am GMT05:47 |
| Airstrikes hit six targets in Isis-controlled oilfield: report | Airstrikes hit six targets in Isis-controlled oilfield: report |
| Thursday morning’s strikes were focused on six targets in an Isis-controlled oilfield in eastern Syria, the BBC is reporting. | Thursday morning’s strikes were focused on six targets in an Isis-controlled oilfield in eastern Syria, the BBC is reporting. |
| The Tornado jets used Raptor pods, two-metre long surveillance devices fixed underneath the aircrafts, to scope out their targets, supported by an RAF Reaper unmanned drone. | The Tornado jets used Raptor pods, two-metre long surveillance devices fixed underneath the aircrafts, to scope out their targets, supported by an RAF Reaper unmanned drone. |
| Both the US-led and Russian bombing campaigns against Isis targets in Syria have recently stepped up strikes against oil infrastructure controlled by the militant group in a bid to deprive it of revenue. Isis is estimated to generate around $1m USD each day from oil sales. | Both the US-led and Russian bombing campaigns against Isis targets in Syria have recently stepped up strikes against oil infrastructure controlled by the militant group in a bid to deprive it of revenue. Isis is estimated to generate around $1m USD each day from oil sales. |
| Updated at 6.11am GMT | Updated at 6.11am GMT |
| 5.27am GMT05:27 | 5.27am GMT05:27 |
| The MoD has declined to say what exactly its fighters have targeted in Syria. A press conference is reportedly planned for later this morning, and a full list of strikes will be published in the coming days. | The MoD has declined to say what exactly its fighters have targeted in Syria. A press conference is reportedly planned for later this morning, and a full list of strikes will be published in the coming days. |
| My colleague Ewan MacAskill has more on how targets are selected, and raises the possibility that Thursday morning’s strikes may have been preplanned to send a message. | My colleague Ewan MacAskill has more on how targets are selected, and raises the possibility that Thursday morning’s strikes may have been preplanned to send a message. |
| Targets in Iraq and Syria are chosen by a US-run headquarters in Qatar. These targets – referred to by David Cameron as “dynamic” – are identified by surveillance aircraft, drones and intelligence and passed to headquarters for a decision. | Targets in Iraq and Syria are chosen by a US-run headquarters in Qatar. These targets – referred to by David Cameron as “dynamic” – are identified by surveillance aircraft, drones and intelligence and passed to headquarters for a decision. |
| The HQ then allocates a plane according to which plane is closest and the weaponry being carried. That could be one of two RAF Tornados in the air over Iraq and Syria at the time. | The HQ then allocates a plane according to which plane is closest and the weaponry being carried. That could be one of two RAF Tornados in the air over Iraq and Syria at the time. |
| The alternative is that the UK government, wanting to make the point that Britain has joined coalition strikes in Syria, might have a preplanned target in mind. The French government, after launching about 20 airstrikes against Isis in Syria after the Paris attacks, announced it had hit an Isis “command and control centre” that had managed to evade 15 months of US bombing. | The alternative is that the UK government, wanting to make the point that Britain has joined coalition strikes in Syria, might have a preplanned target in mind. The French government, after launching about 20 airstrikes against Isis in Syria after the Paris attacks, announced it had hit an Isis “command and control centre” that had managed to evade 15 months of US bombing. |
| The RAF, in its hitlist of targets in Iraq published on Wednesday, said a Tornado had hit an Isis sniper team in Ramadi last Thursday and demolished a building. On the same day, Tornados destroyed an Isis machine gun firing on Kurds. On Friday, the RAF destroyed an oil tanker. On Sunday, the targets included a car bomb, two buildings, two alleged Isis members on a motorbike and a checkpoint. On Monday, three machine guns were destroyed in support of the Kurds. | The RAF, in its hitlist of targets in Iraq published on Wednesday, said a Tornado had hit an Isis sniper team in Ramadi last Thursday and demolished a building. On the same day, Tornados destroyed an Isis machine gun firing on Kurds. On Friday, the RAF destroyed an oil tanker. On Sunday, the targets included a car bomb, two buildings, two alleged Isis members on a motorbike and a checkpoint. On Monday, three machine guns were destroyed in support of the Kurds. |
| Read the full story here | Read the full story here |
| Updated at 5.27am GMT | Updated at 5.27am GMT |
| 5.13am GMT05:13 | 5.13am GMT05:13 |
| Will British involvement in Syria make a difference? Agence France-Presse has cited a couple of foreign policy specialists, both of who have their doubts. | Will British involvement in Syria make a difference? Agence France-Presse has cited a couple of foreign policy specialists, both of who have their doubts. |
| “It will not make a big operational difference,” said Professor Malcolm Chalmers of military think-tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). | “It will not make a big operational difference,” said Professor Malcolm Chalmers of military think-tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). |
| “It is important symbolically, useful operationally, but not transformative.” | “It is important symbolically, useful operationally, but not transformative.” |
| Tim Eaton and Chris Phillips of foreign affairs think-tank Chatham House accused ministers of “knee-jerk reactions... not part of a well-considered long-term strategy to defeat and degrade IS”. | Tim Eaton and Chris Phillips of foreign affairs think-tank Chatham House accused ministers of “knee-jerk reactions... not part of a well-considered long-term strategy to defeat and degrade IS”. |
| “It is understandable that the British government doesn’t want to stand by as IS continues to terrorise or as Syria continues to be consumed by chaos but reaching for a quick military option like the one proposed is not the answer,” they wrote in an article for Prospect magazine. | “It is understandable that the British government doesn’t want to stand by as IS continues to terrorise or as Syria continues to be consumed by chaos but reaching for a quick military option like the one proposed is not the answer,” they wrote in an article for Prospect magazine. |
| 4.59am GMT04:59 | 4.59am GMT04:59 |
| There are currently eight Tornado jets based at Akrotiri in Cyprus, but they are likely to be joined shortly by another two, my colleague Ewan MacAskill reports. | There are currently eight Tornado jets based at Akrotiri in Cyprus, but they are likely to be joined shortly by another two, my colleague Ewan MacAskill reports. |
| Capt Richard Davies, a Tornado pilot and station commander, said on Wednesday the extra jets would allow the RAF to increase sorties from two a day. | Capt Richard Davies, a Tornado pilot and station commander, said on Wednesday the extra jets would allow the RAF to increase sorties from two a day. |
| How soon could the RAF be in action over Syria, he was asked before the vote by MPs. “If a vote yes, if Tornados flying at that time and if there is a target in Syria, UK bombing could happen overnight … If all those ducks are aligned and the aircraft are airborne at that moment and a target comes up they will go. It depends where they are. If we are airborne in Iraq and the vote is yes, we could be targeting on that mission,” Davies said. | How soon could the RAF be in action over Syria, he was asked before the vote by MPs. “If a vote yes, if Tornados flying at that time and if there is a target in Syria, UK bombing could happen overnight … If all those ducks are aligned and the aircraft are airborne at that moment and a target comes up they will go. It depends where they are. If we are airborne in Iraq and the vote is yes, we could be targeting on that mission,” Davies said. |
| Read the full story here | Read the full story here |
| Updated at 4.59am GMT | Updated at 4.59am GMT |
| 4.50am GMT04:50 | 4.50am GMT04:50 |
| More images from RAF Akrotiri of those four Tornado jets departing the base around two hours ago. | More images from RAF Akrotiri of those four Tornado jets departing the base around two hours ago. |
| Updated at 5.16am GMT | Updated at 5.16am GMT |
| 4.44am GMT04:44 | 4.44am GMT04:44 |
| According to the BBC, the four Tornados that left Cyprus in pairs at 03.00 GMT were carrying three 500lb (226kg) Paveway bombs each. Two have returned so far without the weapons. | According to the BBC, the four Tornados that left Cyprus in pairs at 03.00 GMT were carrying three 500lb (226kg) Paveway bombs each. Two have returned so far without the weapons. |
| 4.38am GMT04:38 | 4.38am GMT04:38 |
| Reuters is reporting that two of the four Tornado bombers that left RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus hours after the UK parliament authorised airstrikes in Syria have since returned to the base. | Reuters is reporting that two of the four Tornado bombers that left RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus hours after the UK parliament authorised airstrikes in Syria have since returned to the base. |
| “A strike was made from over Syria,” said a government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. | “A strike was made from over Syria,” said a government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. |
| The source declined to give further operational information about the targets or the number of aircraft involved, citing national security. | The source declined to give further operational information about the targets or the number of aircraft involved, citing national security. |
| A Reuters witness in Cyprus saw four jets leaving in pairs from the air base within an hour of each other. Two have since returned. | A Reuters witness in Cyprus saw four jets leaving in pairs from the air base within an hour of each other. Two have since returned. |
| RAF Akrotiri has been used as a launchpad for attacks on Islamic State targets in Iraq for just over a year, and late on Wednesday Britain’s parliament broadened its scope for targets within Syria. | RAF Akrotiri has been used as a launchpad for attacks on Islamic State targets in Iraq for just over a year, and late on Wednesday Britain’s parliament broadened its scope for targets within Syria. |
| After more than 10 hours of tense debate, members of parliament voted in favour of the air strikes, by 397 to 223. | After more than 10 hours of tense debate, members of parliament voted in favour of the air strikes, by 397 to 223. |
| In addressing parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister David Cameron said high-precision, laser-guided Brimstone missiles attached to the Tornado GR4 bombers would help to make a real difference by hitting the de facto Islamic State capital of Raqqa and its oil-trading business. | In addressing parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister David Cameron said high-precision, laser-guided Brimstone missiles attached to the Tornado GR4 bombers would help to make a real difference by hitting the de facto Islamic State capital of Raqqa and its oil-trading business. |
| France and the United States are already bombing Islamist militants in Syria, while Russia has bombed mainly other rebels, according to conflict monitors and Western officials, in an intervention launched on Sept. 30 to bolster its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The West says Assad must go. | France and the United States are already bombing Islamist militants in Syria, while Russia has bombed mainly other rebels, according to conflict monitors and Western officials, in an intervention launched on Sept. 30 to bolster its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The West says Assad must go. |
| Updated at 5.18am GMT | Updated at 5.18am GMT |
| 4.32am GMT04:32 | 4.32am GMT04:32 |
| Here’s our news wrap on this morning’s development: | Here’s our news wrap on this morning’s development: |
| Britain has carried out its first airstrikes in Syria, hours after MPs voted overwhelmingly to authorise military action. | Britain has carried out its first airstrikes in Syria, hours after MPs voted overwhelmingly to authorise military action. |
| RAF Tornado jets were seen taking off from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus and the Ministry of Defence later confirmed that they had carried out the “first offensive operation over Syria and have conducted strikes”. | RAF Tornado jets were seen taking off from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus and the Ministry of Defence later confirmed that they had carried out the “first offensive operation over Syria and have conducted strikes”. |
| The four RAF jets carry a range of munitions including Paveway IV guided bombs and precision-guided Brimstone missiles. Defence officials refused to be drawn on the targets of their mission. | The four RAF jets carry a range of munitions including Paveway IV guided bombs and precision-guided Brimstone missiles. Defence officials refused to be drawn on the targets of their mission. |
| Read the full story here | Read the full story here |
| Updated at 5.18am GMT | Updated at 5.18am GMT |
| 4.16am GMT04:16 | 4.16am GMT04:16 |
| Britain begins 'offensive operation' in Syria | Britain begins 'offensive operation' in Syria |
| British jets have struck targets in Syria, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed, hours after MPs voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday night to authorise an extension of bombing. | British jets have struck targets in Syria, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed, hours after MPs voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday night to authorise an extension of bombing. |
| Four RAF Tornado jets were seen taking off from their airbase at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus shortly after the vote. Their destination was not immediately clear but the MoD said in a statement jets had carried out the “first offensive operation over Syria and have conducted strikes”. | Four RAF Tornado jets were seen taking off from their airbase at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus shortly after the vote. Their destination was not immediately clear but the MoD said in a statement jets had carried out the “first offensive operation over Syria and have conducted strikes”. |
| Two aircraft have reportedly returned to the Cyprus airbase without their payloads, and another four are on standby. | Two aircraft have reportedly returned to the Cyprus airbase without their payloads, and another four are on standby. |
| The MoD has announced it will hold a press conference later this morning. | The MoD has announced it will hold a press conference later this morning. |
| We will update you with the latest developments here. | We will update you with the latest developments here. |
| Updated at 5.14am GMT | Updated at 5.14am GMT |