🔗 Share this article Joint UK-French Air Strike Hits Islamic State Weapons Depot in Syria A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used 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 statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced. There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added. The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane. IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse. "This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated. British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported. "I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad." During December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The UN says Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used 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 statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced. There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added. The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane. IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse. "This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated. British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported. "I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad." During December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The UN says Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.