Coordinated UK-French Air Strike Strikes Daesh Munitions Store in Syria
Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as ISIS - established extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel stationed over the holidays. This operation, to remove militants who threaten our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
