Coordinated UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes IS Munitions Store in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were thousands of British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
