Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Targets IS Weapons Depot in Syria
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of access tunnels leading to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he said. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.