Britain’s Ministry of Defence said that Royal Air Force aircraft joined French jets in the operation late on Saturday, targeting an intelligence-identified site in mountainous terrain north of the ancient city of Palmyra.
The United Kingdom and France carried out a joint air strike on an underground facility in Syria believed to have been used by the Islamic State group to store weapons, Britain’s defence ministry said.
In a statement, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said that Royal Air Force aircraft joined French jets in the operation late on Saturday, targeting an intelligence-identified site in mountainous terrain north of the ancient city of Palmyra. The ministry said the strike formed part of ongoing efforts to prevent a resurgence of ISIL, also known as ISIS or Daesh, after its territorial defeat in Syria in 2019.
According to the UK defence ministry, careful intelligence analysis pointed to an underground facility that had likely been used by the group to store weapons and explosives. The site, located several miles north of Palmyra, was described as being in an area “devoid of any civilian habitation”.
British aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike access tunnels leading to the bunker. “Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility; whilst detailed assessment is now underway, initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully,” the ministry said.
The UK said Typhoon FGR4 combat jets took part in the strike, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, and confirmed that all aircraft returned safely after the operation.
Sharing a video on X, the French Armed Forces also confirmed that the strikes were carried out under Operation Inherent Resolve, with France and its UK ally targeting positions linked to the Islamic State group.
UK SAYS STRIKE SHOWS ALLIES STAND TOGETHER
British Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation underscored the UK’s commitment to working alongside allies to counter group’s influence in the Middle East.
“This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East,” Healey said.
In a separate statement, he added, “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.”
The strike took place as part of broader military operations against Islamic State networks across the region. In December, the United States military said it had killed or captured about 25 fighters during a nine-day campaign in Syria. US Central Command said those operations followed the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in an ISIL attack on December 13, which prompted subsequent US strikes against the group.
With inputs from agencies
