🔗 Share this article Joint UK-French Airstrike Hits IS Arms Cache in Syria A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD. The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced. There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added. The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse. "This action shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked. UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said. "I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas." In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD. The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced. There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added. The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse. "This action shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked. UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said. "I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas." In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.