Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Strikes Islamic State Weapons Depot in Syria
RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of approach shafts providing entry to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he said. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
