UK Defence Ministry Confirms Targeted Drone Strike Against ISIS Member in Syria

/UK Ministry of Defence

Royal Air Force (RAF) Reaper drone.

The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it carried out a drone strike targeting and eliminating an Islamic State (ISIS) operative in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria, according to a report by The Sun newspaper.

The operation was conducted by a Royal Air Force (RAF) Reaper drone, which tracked the militant as he travelled on a motorcycle through the town of Sarmada.

The drone began tailing the motorcycle-riding fighter in Sarmada, near the border with Türkiye, after intelligence identified him as a “known member” of ISIS.

The Reaper drone used in the mission is reportedly valued at £24 million.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence emphasised that the drone crew had thoroughly monitored the target and ensured the area was clear of civilians before executing 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.

The UK has been a key participant in the Global Coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) since its formation in 2014. Under Operation Shader, the UK's military campaign has involved extensive Royal Air Force (RAF) air strikes against ISIS targets, initially in Iraq and subsequently in Syria.

British jets have been responsible for approximately one-fifth of all coalition air strikes—matching the contribution of their United States counterparts—underscoring the UK’s central role in the fight against the terror group.

In 2022, a high-profile case illustrated the complex legal landscape surrounding counter-terror operations. Then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace disclosed that an ISIS militant involved in the production of biological weapons was killed by an RAF Reaper drone after legal restrictions prevented special forces from apprehending him.

According to Wallace, the operation was authorised following legal advice that the European Convention on Human Rights prohibited the handover of suspects to Syrian authorities due to the risk of torture. Simultaneously, extradition to the UK was not possible due to the absence of a treaty with the Assad regime.

With capture ruled out, the militant—among several others—was eliminated in a targeted Hellfire missile strike.



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