Coordinated Anglo-French Air Strike Strikes Islamic State Arms Cache in Syria
Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of entry passages down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.