British-French Airstrike Targets ISIS Arms Depot in Syria

Joint Military Operation in Syria

The Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, in conjunction with French planes, conducted an airstrike on an underground arms depot used by the Islamic State (ISIS), according to the British Ministry of Defence. The facility, identified through intelligence services, was believed to be storing weapons and explosives, located in the mountains near the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target multiple access tunnels leading to the facility... initial indications suggest that the target was successfully struck," stated the Ministry of Defence. Fortunately, there were no signs of civilian casualties resulting from the attack, which took place on Saturday night, and all aircraft returned safely.

The Typhoon FGR4 jets were supported by a Voyager tanker for refueling. ISIS, also known as Daesh, enforced a jihadist regime in parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019. British Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that "this action demonstrates our leadership and determination to join our allies in eradicating any resurgence of Daesh and their violent ideologies in the Middle East."

The Ministry added that RAF aircraft have been patrolling over Syria to "prevent any attempts at resurgence" by ISIS following their defeat in the battle of Baghuz in 2019. Healey expressed gratitude to all military personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and bravery, noting that they are part of the thousands of British personnel deployed during the Christmas and New Year period.