π Share this article Combined British-French Aerial Assault Strikes Islamic State Weapons Depot in the Syrian region A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria used by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD. The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels down to the site... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said. There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated. The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane. IS - also known as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse. "This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said. RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted. "I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad." In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
A Typhoon FGR4 from the Royal Air Force (archive image) Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria used by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD. The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels down to the site... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said. There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated. The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane. IS - also known as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse. "This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said. RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted. "I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad." In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.