In brief
UK and French military forces conducted a joint strike against an underground arms facility in Syria linked to the Islamic State (IS). The operation, prompted by careful intelligence analysis, aimed to target arms and explosives stored in the area north of Palmyra. Initial reports suggest the target was successfully engaged without civilian casualties.
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), the UK Ministry of Defence says.
Careful intelligence analysis led officials to believe the facility was storing arms and explosives, according to the statement, which indicated it was located in the mountains just north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.
The MoD stated, Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully. The strike occurred late on a Saturday, with the Ministry of Defence noting that there was no evidence of civilian casualties and all aircraft returned safely.
A detailed assessment of the strikes is currently underway, but officials believe that the objective was successfully achieved. The MoD confirmed that the Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refueling tanker.
Islamic State had previously imposed jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated, This action shows our UK leadership and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to prevent any attempts at IS's resurgence since their defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019. Healey continued, I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and courage. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
The United Nations reports that IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. In November, Syria, led by new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, became the 90th country to join a US-led coalition focused on combatting IS.
The coalition aims to eliminate the remaining elements of the so-called Islamic State and halt the flow of foreign militants to the Middle East.
In a related operation, the US military conducted a significant strike against IS targets in Syria last month following an ambush that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
