Coordinated Anglo-French Air Strike Hits IS Arms Cache in Syria
RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of entry passages down to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces involved in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he said. "They were among numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
