The UK has launched its first air strikes against ISIL in Syria, just hours after the parliament authorized the air strike plan.
Four Tornado fighters based in Cyprus carried out the attack and hit 6 targets in an oil field in eastern Syria, in a bid to reduce the income of ISIL. The attack came right after the British government's proposal was backed by a 397-223 vote in the House of Commons, which followed a raucous debate lasting more than 10 hours.
Britain has now joined the recent strikes led by ally forces in response to the Paris terrorist attacks last month. US president Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande had both welcomed the bombing decision.
The British Prime Minister earlier described the air strike operation in Syria as a way to protect British people, while critics believed the military action could increase the possibility of ISIL launching an attack against the UK.