Coordinated UK-French Air Strike Hits Islamic State Weapons Depot in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just to the north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications suggest the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"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 Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, shows how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
