🔗 Share this article Combined UK-French Air Strike Hits Daesh Munitions Store in the Syrian region A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry. The site, identified by surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria. "Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said. There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated. The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane. Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019. "This strike underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said. UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said. "I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," he added. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad." In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The U.N. estimates Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry. The site, identified by surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria. "Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said. There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated. The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane. Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019. "This strike underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said. UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said. "I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," he added. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad." In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The U.N. estimates Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.