🔗 Share this article Joint British-French Air Strike Targets Islamic State Weapons Depot in the Syrian region A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD. The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria. "Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced. There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated. The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019. "This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked. British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said. "I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to take out militants who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas." Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area. The UN says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD. The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria. "Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced. There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated. The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019. "This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked. British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said. "I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to take out militants who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas." Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area. The UN says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.