By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent
Britain will expand its military contribution to the fight against Islamic State, the Prime Minister has announced.
David Cameron has authorised two more RAF Tornado GR4 jets to join the six already stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
He made the announcement on a surprise visit to the Cypriot station to meet and thank the air crews who have been flying combat missions over Iraq.
"Less than a week into combat operations in Iraq, I wanted to come here to thank our troops for the vital work they're doing to defeat these barbaric ISIL terrorists who threaten security not just in Iraq, Syria and the region but on the streets of Britain too," the Prime Minister said.
Three hundred troops in all are working out of Akrotiri as part of the mission, code-named Operation Shader.
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Gallery: The Moment RAF Jet Attacks IS Truck
The RAF carried out its first airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq on 1 October, 2014 (All pictures: MoD)
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Tornados destroyed a heavy weapon position, which was attacking Kurdish forces, and an armed pick-up truck (pictured). The red circle shows the path of the missile fired at the vehicle
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The strikes were the first since MPs voted to support aerial raids in Iraq last Friday
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The targets were in the northwest of Iraq
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The moment the truck, which had a mounted machine gun, was destroyed by a Brimstone missile
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A plume of smoke rose above the area
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The strike was successful, according to an initial assessment, said Defence Secretary Michael Fallon
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The Tornados safely returned to their base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after the sortie
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Six of the GR4 fighter jets are based on the island in the Mediterranean
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The aircraft began their combat missions on Saturday
The Tornados, working in pairs, have been flying sorties twice daily, mainly over northwest Iraq in support of the Kurdish Peshmerga but also closer to Baghdad to assist the Iraqi Army.
They have carried out strikes against IS targets on four missions, destroying vehicles, command and control positions and machine gun posts.
A Voyager refuelling aircraft is also flying out of RAF Akrotiri in support of these missions.
It's understood the two added aircraft won't lead to an increase in tempo.
"Obviously, these operations are just one element of our strategy. We are also working hard to deliver a training package for Iraqi forces with advisers in Iraq now to assess their needs," the Prime Minister said.
"But today is really about thanking our brave airmen and women. We should never forget the sacrifices they make and the risks they take to make Britain a safer home for all of us and our families."
The Prime Minister also announced that the life of 2 Squadron will be extended for a further year.
The squadron, one of only three remaining Tornado squadrons, was due to be stood down next April.
The Tornado, almost 40 years old, remains the only out-and-out ground attack aircraft in the British military until the introduction of the multi-role F35 Joint Strike Fighter later in the decade.
The Tornado's value has been proven in Afghanistan, Libya and now Iraq.
Meanwhile, Turkey's parliament has authorised its own military action against IS fighters near its borders.
The order allows incursions into Syria and Iraq to counter the threat "from all terrorist groups" and also means NATO powers could use the country as a base for airstrikes.
However, there is little sign so far that any military action by Turkey is imminent.
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