The RAF has bombed an opulent palace built by Saddam Hussein and taken over by Isis, as it continues supporting the US-led coalition in Syria and Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the sprawling complex in the Iraqi city of Mosul was being used as a major headquarters and centre for the terrorist group’s training of foreign recruits.

“The complex, sat in a large secure compound next to the Tigris River, included not just the main palace building, used as an accommodation and meeting venue by the terrorists, but also a number of more discreet outbuildings used for command and control, training, internal security and repression,” a spokesperson said.

The landscaped gardens could be seen being covered in smoke in cockpit footage released by the MoD, showing at least four missiles hitting their targets.

The palace was built for Saddam Hussein and used by US forces in the Iraq War (Getty Images)

Britain was one of seven countries taking part in the “successful” air raid on the palace on Monday, with the RAF sending two Tornados carrying guided Paveway missiles, which were used to target the main headquarters and a security centre.

Michael Fallon, the new Defence Secretary, praised the operation, adding: “Daesh (Isis) has been losing followers and territory for months, and emphatic strikes like this show that we and the coalition will not waver.

“Daesh fighters, both foreign and home grown, can see that they are targets inside this cult.”

The "Palace of Swords", constructed in 1994, was one of 50 luxury mansions built by Saddam, who was executed in 2006 following the US-led invasion of Iraq.

It once featured man-made lakes, waterfalls, underground bunkers and extensive gardens, and was re-purposed as a base for coalition forces during the Iraq War.

It sits on the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city and the de-facto capital of the so-called Islamic State’s de-facto capital in the country.

It is expected to be the next major target after militants were driven out of Fallujah.

British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Show all 10 1 /10 British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Tornado jet takes off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, as RAF Tornado jets carried out the first British bombing runs over Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Pilots and ground crew prepare combat aircraft Panavia Tornados at RAF Marham at RAF Marham, UK Getty British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Eurofighter Typhoon jet takes off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, as RAF Tornado jets carried out the first British bombing runs over Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A RAF Tornado arrives at RAF Akrotiri to begin operations in Akrotiri British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Tornado jet ahead of taking off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, as RAF Tornado jets carried out the first British bombing runs over Syria, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The air strikes were carried out within hours of a vote by MPs in the Commons to back extending operations against Isis from neighbouring Iraq British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Personnel work on a British Tornado after it returned from a mission at RAF Akrotiri in southern Cyprus British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Two RAF Tornado GR4's, both with remaining weapons ordnance, approach RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, as they return to the base after carrying out some of the first British bombing runs over Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A RAF Tornado takes off from RAF Akrotiri, on the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Tornado jet leaving RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria AKA RAF Tornado arrives at RAF Akrotiri to begin operations in Akrotiri, Cyprus. The RAF has sent two further Tornado aircraft and six Typhoons to bolster aircraft now flying sorties to both Iraq and Syria

The RAF is also supporting operations against Isis around Manbij in Syria, where coalition-supported ground forces are fighting to regain swathes of territory along the Turkish border.

On Monday it sent Typhoons to destroy fortifications as the Syrian Democratic Forces advanced, while Reaper drones were deployed for air support on Thursday and Saturday.

Other recent operations have seen the RAF target Isis fighters in northern and western Iraq, as well as Isis’ western boundary around Mar’a in Syria.

Mr Fallon visited British personnel stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Tuesday, where he announced the deployment of more UK troops to train Iraqi forces later this month.

“These troops will bolster a campaign that has Daesh on the back foot,” the Defence Secretary said.