Joint Anglo-French Airstrike Strikes IS Weapons Depot in Syria
Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" targeting IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
