Combined UK-French Aerial Assault Hits Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria
RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove militants who threaten our way of life, shows how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
