🔗 Share this article Joint UK-French Airstrike Hits Islamic State Arms Cache in Syria A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence. The site, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria. "The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said. There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed. The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. IS - also known as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated. RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted. "I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," he added. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas." In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area. The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence. The site, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria. "The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said. There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed. The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. IS - also known as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated. RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted. "I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," he added. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas." In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area. The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.