Combined UK-French Air Strike Hits Daesh Munitions Store in Syria
British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out militants who endanger our security, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
