Combined Anglo-French Airstrike Strikes IS Arms Cache in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.