Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Targets Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages down to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.
