Operation Shader: Key facts in the offensive against Islamic State

ITV News has been granted an exclusive insight behind the scenes into Operation Shader.

The military offensive is the UK's contribution to a 65-country-strong coalition assault on so-called Islamic State.

Facts about Operation Shader

800 UK personnel are part of Operation Shader.

It's hardware includes: Eight Tornados, Reaper drones, two C130 transport aircraft, the Voyager - an A330 refuelling aircraft and two surveillance aircrafts.

Operation Shader is the British contribution to the Global Coalition against ISIS. The Coalition is made up of 65 countries including Iraq, Arab and European countries and the US.

The aim is to defeat ISIS on all fronts - militarily, cutting off finance, reducing the influx of fighters, challenging its ideology and providing humanitarian assistance.

Up to mid October British Tornado and RAF Reaper drones have flown 1,497 missions over Iraq on reconnaissance, intelligence and surveillance missions and also bombing raids.

There have now been 324 successful strikes on the ground in Iraq.

There have now been 324 successful strikes on the ground in Iraq.According to British figures ISIS has lost 30% of its territory in Iraq since the Coalition operations began in autumn 2014. In Iraq three towns, Rabiyah, Tikrit and Zumar have been freed from ISIS control as a result of ground action and air support.