Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Munitions Store in Syria
Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
