Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes Islamic State Weapons Depot in the Syrian region
RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels leading to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
