🔗 Share this article Joint Anglo-French Aerial Assault Strikes IS Arms Cache in Syria An RAF Typhoon FGR4 (file pic) RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD. The location, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in hills just above Palmyra in central Syria. "Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced. There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed. The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane. The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said. RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted. "I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "Including them were numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas." In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
An RAF Typhoon FGR4 (file pic) RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD. The location, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in hills just above Palmyra in central Syria. "Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced. There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed. The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane. The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019. "This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said. RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted. "I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "Including them were numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas." In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.