π Share this article Joint Anglo-French Air Strike Hits IS Arms Cache in Syria A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in Syria's central region. "Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated. There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added. The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker. The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated. British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said. "I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas." During December, the American forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
A file photo of an RAF Typhoon fighter jet RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in Syria's central region. "Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated. There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added. The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker. The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated. British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said. "I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas." During December, the American forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.