UK-French air strike targets IS arms dump in Syria

The UK Ministry of Defense said Royal Air Force Typhoon jets joined French planes in a joint attack on an underground weapons depot used by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria.

The statement said the facility, identified by intelligence, is believed to store weapons and explosives and is located in the mountains just north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.

“Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of access tunnels leading to the facility… initial indications are that the target was successfully engaged,” the Ministry of Defense said.

The Defense Ministry added that no civilians were harmed in the attack late Saturday and all aircraft returned safely.

Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refueling tanker.

ISIS, also known as ISIS, imposed jihadist rule in parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

“This action demonstrates our UK leadership and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies to eliminate the resurgence of ISIS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East,” British Defense Secretary John Healey said.

The ministry said RAF aircraft were patrolling over Syria to “prevent any attempted revival” of ISIS following its defeat in the battle of Baghuz in 2019.

“I would like to thank all members of our armed forces who participated in this operation for their professionalism and bravery,” Healey said.

“They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life shows how our armed forces are prepared to step up throughout the year, keeping Britain safe at home and strong abroad.”

In December, the US military launched a “major offensive” against ISIS targets in Syria after two American soldiers and a civilian translator were killed in an ambush in Palmyra.

The United Nations says ISIS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.