RAF heroes are taking part in battle to drive ISIS thugs out of Mosul – the jihadis’ final stronghold in Iraq

RAF jets have been blasting ISIS positions in the battle for Mosul today, it has been revealed.

British fighters and drones have been supporting the Iraqi army and Kurd militias during today's fight to liberate the city of two million - the terror group's last bastion in Iraq.

More than 40,000 troops launched a massive attack today in a move that could mark the beginning of the end for the sick jihadi death cult.

The RAF has supported ground forces in the run-up to the attack, but it is understood that British warplanes today supported ground troops moving on the northern Iraqi city.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "Daesh (ISIS) are on the back foot. The beginning of the encirclement of Mosul today is a big moment in our efforts to rid Iraq of Daesh.

"Mosul is a large and complex city and operations there will be tough but with Coalition support Iraqi forces will prevail.

"Alongside our Coalition partners, the UK will continue to play a leading role in the air and on the ground, including through our strike missions, specialised surveillance, humanitarian support and the mentoring and training of Iraqi forces."

Last night a Reaper Predator drone patrolled to the north-west of Mosul, where it destroyed an artillery piece with a Hellfire missile, then provided targeting support to three attacks by coalition fast jets on terrorist mortar positions.

A flight of Typhoon fighter jets used Paveway IVs to destroy two ISIS-held buildings to the west of Mosul, , while a second flight operated to the east, attacking four terrorist positions.

The invasion of the city was announced in a televised address by the country’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, with the bloody fight expected to drag out over weeks and even months.

The offensive to retake the country’s second largest city, has been planned for months with Mosul having been under the control of the Islamic State since June 2014.