RAF airstrikes killed civilian in Syria, Defence Secretary admits

Gavin Williamson
Gavin Williamson Credit:  SIMON DAWSON/REUTERS

An RAF airstrike against three Islamic State fighters in Syria "unintentionally" killed a civilian, the Defence Secretary has admitted.

Gavin Williamson said a civilian on a motorbike crossed into a "strike area" under RAF attack in eastern Syria and was killed on March 26.

In a written ministerial statement, Mr Williamson said the incident was " deeply regrettable" and happened "at the last moment" in the attack.

"There are limits on any further details that can be provided given ongoing operations and consequent national security issues," he said.

The US-led coalition will conduct its own investigation into the attack.

Until now, the Ministry of Defence has denied the RAF's action against Islamic...

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