Coordinated UK-French Air Strike Hits Islamic State Weapons Depot in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages down to the facility... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among a great many UK service members deployed over the holidays. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military executed what it described as a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
