Combined British-French Airstrike Hits IS Munitions Store in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of numerous British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
