Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Targets Islamic State Weapons Depot in the Syrian region
RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several entry passages down to the site... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
