Royal Air Force (RAF) and French aircraft conducted a joint air strike late Saturday in Syria, targeting an underground facility identified by intelligence as an Islamic State (IS) group arms and explosives cache. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that Paveway IV guided bombs were used against access tunnels, with initial assessments indicating a successful engagement.
Operation Details
The joint operation involved UK Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jets, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, operating alongside French aircraft. The target was an underground facility located in the mountains north of Palmyra, central Syria. Intelligence analysis had identified this facility as a storage location for arms and explosives utilized by the Islamic State group.
Paveway IV guided bombs were deployed to target several access tunnels leading to the facility. The UK Ministry of Defence reported that initial assessments indicated a successful engagement of the target. The MoD also stated that the targeted area was devoid of civilian habitation prior to the attack, and no civilian casualties were reported. All participating British aircraft returned safely from the operation.
Context and Official Statements
The UK Ministry of Defence stated that the operation's objective was to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, also known as Daesh, following its defeat in the 2019 Battle of Baghuz. UK Defence Secretary John Healey commented on the action, stating its contribution to national security and acknowledging collaboration with allies to address any resurgence of Daesh.
The Islamic State group maintained control over territories in Syria and Iraq until 2019. RAF aircraft conduct patrols over Syria as part of ongoing efforts against the group.
Background and Related Information
The United Nations estimates that the Islamic State group currently comprises between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq. In December, the US military conducted a separate strike against IS targets in Syria. That action followed an ambush in Palmyra which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.