Tornado jets have taken off from RAF Marham to fly to the aid of Iraqui refugees.
The aircraft will carry our reconnaissance flights using their sophisticated aerial imaging equipment to pinpoint civilians who have fled into the mountains, in the north of the country, to flee IS (Islamic State) fighters.
Defence sources say pictures beamed down by the aircraft will enable aid drops to be carried out without risk to thosse on the ground.
RAF transport aircraft have had to abandon flights after people strayed into the drop zones, for fear packages would hit and kill them.
The Tornados, believed to be from IX(B) and II(AC) squadrons, will fly to Akrotiri, in Cyprus, where they will join C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying humanitarian aid.
While defence sourcess insist their role will be reconnaissance, the aircraft are believed to be armed.
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