SAS troops went into battle to liberate a dam and airfield in Syria.

The “Who Dares Wins” forces won a stunning victory against ISIS fighters defending the strategically vital strongholds, sources said.

3 SAS troops were sent in to liberate a dam and airfield in Syria Credit: BBC

Troops were choppered in behind enemy lines to seize the Tabqa dam and airbase.

Commanders now hope to use the latter as a launchpad to strike into Raqqa — the caliphate’s capital.

A source said: “This was a well-planned deliberate operation to liberate two strategic strongholds.

3 The troops won a stunning victory against ISIS fighters Credit: Alamy

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“SAS forces played their part, identifying weak points in defences and allowing Syrian Defence Forces to win a momentous victory.”

Troops watched enemy targets for hours before joining more than 500 SDF forces for the “daring assault” late last month.

3 The area was deemed to be a vital stronghold for ISIS Credit: BBC

The mission was backed by US attack choppers, drones and heavy artillery.

The airbase victory is a massive coup as it is close to Raqqa, where 4,000 IS fighters remain ready to fight to the death.

An MoD spokesman said: “We do not comment on Special Forces.”