RAF combat operations over Iraq end

RAF combat operations over Iraq have ended after 18 years when the last Tornado GR4 and VC-10s in the region returned to the UK. The RAF has been operating over Iraq in various roles since 1990 and the first Gulf War when Iraq invaded Kuwait. After the first Gulf War the RAF patrolled the no-fly zones and of course participated in the 2nd Gulf War which toppled Saddam Hussein and have supported coalition troops in their occupation ever since. Some support units will remain in the region for now but all combat units have now been withdrawn.