UK and France Conduct Joint Strike on IS Arms Bunker in Syria
The United Kingdom and France carried out a joint airstrike on an underground Islamic State (IS) arms cache in Syria, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed.
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets joined French aircraft in targeting the facility, located in the mountains north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria. Intelligence assessments indicated the site was storing weapons and explosives.
“Our aircraft deployed Paveway IV guided bombs on several access tunnels leading to the facility,” the MoD said, adding that early reports suggest the strike was successful. All aircraft returned safely, and there were no reported civilian casualties.
The Typhoons were supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, ensuring sustained operations during the mission. Officials said a detailed assessment is underway to confirm the results.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the strike highlights Britain’s commitment to working alongside allies to prevent any resurgence of Daesh (IS) and combat extremist ideologies in the region. “I want to thank all members of our armed forces involved for their professionalism and courage. This operation demonstrates our readiness to act at any time, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad,” he said.
Since 2014, the RAF has carried out air operations in Syria and Iraq against IS, using both manned aircraft and drones, as part of the international coalition. While the group was defeated at the Battle of Baghuz in 2019, the United Nations estimates that IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in the region.
In November, Syria, under new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, joined the US-led coalition to combat IS, becoming the coalition’s 90th member. The coalition aims to eliminate remaining IS elements and prevent the flow of foreign militants to the Middle East.
Last month, the U.S. military conducted a “massive strike” on IS targets in Syria following an ambush in Palmyra that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
