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Joint RAF-French operation targets IS arms depot near Palmyra
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed on Sunday that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets participated in a coordinated strike with French aircraft against an Islamic State (IS) underground weapons storage site in Syria. The facility, located in mountainous terrain north of the ancient city of Palmyra, was believed to house explosives and munitions.
Precision strike destroys access tunnels
British aircraft deployed Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to collapse multiple entry tunnels leading to the underground cache. According to the Ministry of Defence, initial assessments indicate the operation successfully neutralised the target. No civilian casualties were reported, and all RAF aircraft returned safely following the late Saturday mission.
A Voyager refuelling tanker provided mid-air support to extend the Typhoons' operational range.
UK reaffirms commitment to countering IS resurgence
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the strike demonstrated Britain's leadership in combating terrorism alongside international allies. "This action underscores our determination to prevent any revival of Daesh and their extremist ideology in the region," he stated.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage. 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 ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
UK Defence Secretary John Healey
Ongoing efforts to dismantle IS networks
The RAF has maintained surveillance and strike missions over Syria since IS lost its territorial stronghold in Baghuz in 2019. These operations, conducted via both manned aircraft and drones, form part of a broader international coalition effort that began in 2014.
The United Nations estimates IS retains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq. In November, Syria officially joined the US-led coalition against IS, becoming its 90th member under President Ahmed al-Sharaa's leadership.
Recent escalation in anti-IS operations
The joint UK-French strike follows a US military operation last month that targeted IS positions in Syria. That mission came in response to an ambush near Palmyra that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Coalition officials state their primary objectives remain the elimination of remaining IS elements and preventing the flow of foreign militants into the region.
