Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Hits Islamic State Arms Cache in Syria
RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
