Combined UK-French Airstrike Hits Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria
RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts down to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he added. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, shows how British military are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
