🔗 Share this article Coordinated UK-French Air Strike Strikes Islamic State Arms Cache in the Syrian region A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD. The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated. There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed. The British jets were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane. The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said. UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported. "I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad." In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area. The U.N. estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD. The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria. "The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated. There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed. The British jets were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane. The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said. UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported. "I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad." In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area. The U.N. estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.