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.

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.

“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.

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.