Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes IS Weapons Depot in the Syrian region
British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts leading to the facility... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, after an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
