Combined UK-French Aerial Assault Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in the Syrian region
British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
