UK drone attacks Islamic State group extremists

London: Britain's defense ministry says a Royal Air Forces drone has for the first time been used to attack Islamic State group extremists in Iraq.

The ministry said on Monday that a Reaper drone successfully attacked IS militants over the weekend.

The drone was used to fire a Hellfire missile against IS forces near Bayji north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Defense officials said in a statement the extremists were attacked while placing improvised explosive devices.

The drones had been used for surveillance only until this weekend. They are also being used to fly surveillance missions over Syria.

British warplanes have been in action as well. Officials said two Tornados were used to destroy a shipping container being used for equipment storage.