London: The United Kingdom and France conducted a joint airstrike on terrorist positions within Syria, targeting a suspected underground weapons depot belonging to the Islamic State group. According to a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence, no civilians were harmed during the operation, and all aircraft returned safely after the mission.
The Islamic State group, which had seized control of parts of Syria until 2019, is reportedly attempting a resurgence. To prevent this, the UK collaborated with France for the operation.
The UK Ministry of Defence said, “Royal Air Force aircraft continue to patrol over Syria to prevent any potential revival of the Islamic State group following their military defeat in March 2019. Careful intelligence analysis identified an underground facility several miles north of the key site at Palmyra, located in mountainous terrain. This facility was under Islamic State control and was used for storing weapons and explosives. There are no civilian settlements near the site.”
On the evening of January 3, RAF Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, operating alongside French aircraft, struck the underground site. The planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target multiple tunnels leading to the depot. Initial assessments indicate that the strike successfully hit its intended target.
The Ministry of Defence also shared a video showing the aircraft receiving fuel from a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker during the operation.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated, “This action demonstrates our firm commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in eradicating the resurgence of ISIS and its dangerous, violent ideology in the Middle East. I thank all members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and bravery.”
He added, “They were among thousands of British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation against terrorists who threaten our way of life shows how our forces remain prepared year-round to keep the UK safe at home and strong abroad.”
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