UK and France Conduct Joint Airstrike on ISIS Weapons Cache in Syria

Joint Airstrike in Syria

The Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom joined forces with the French air force in a joint airstrike against an underground weapons cache used by the Islamic State (ISIS), announced the UK Ministry of Defence. Intelligence analysis led officials to believe that the facilities were storing weapons and explosives, located in the mountains of northern Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.

"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target multiple access tunnels to the facilities... initial indications suggest that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry stated. No civilian casualties were recorded following the Saturday evening attack, and all aircraft returned safely.

A detailed assessment of the attacks is underway, but officials are confident that the "objective was successfully engaged." The Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were supported by a Voyager tanker. ISIS had imposed a jihadist regime over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

“This action demonstrates the leadership of the UK and our determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies to prevent any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous, violent ideologies in the Middle East,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that no civilians were harmed in the attacks, and RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempts at resurgence" of ISIS following its defeat in the battle of Baghuz in 2019.

“I want to thank all members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and courage,” Healey added. “This operation, aimed at eliminating dangerous terrorists that threaten our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to intervene throughout the year, keeping the UK safe at home and strong abroad.”

The RAF has been active in conducting strikes against ISIS fighters and targets as part of the international coalition since 2014. The United Nations estimates that ISIS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. In November, Syria became the 90th country to join a US-led coalition to combat ISIS, with the coalition aiming to eliminate the remaining elements of the so-called Islamic State and halt the flow of foreign militants to the Middle East.