UK and France Conduct Precision Airstrike on Islamic State Arms Facility in Syria
Joint operation targets underground ISIS weapons depot near Palmyra to prevent terrorist resurgence
British and French air forces carried out a coordinated strike on an Islamic State weapons facility in central Syria late on Saturday, underscoring Western determination to neutralise lingering extremist threats.
The joint operation, executed near the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs province, involved Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jets and French combat aircraft using precision-guided Paveway IV bombs to destroy access tunnels leading to an underground arms depot previously used by Islamic State militants.
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence described the strike as successful in engaging the target, with initial assessments indicating that the suspected arms bunker was effectively hit.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the mission demonstrated Britain’s readiness to act alongside allies year-round to counter the evolving threat from Islamic State remnants and protect international security.
French military officials similarly highlighted the operation as part of Paris’s ongoing commitment to preventing the group’s resurgence.
Although the Islamic State group’s territorial caliphate was dismantled in Syria and Iraq in 2019, sleeper cells remain active and continue to pose a security challenge in both countries.
The joint UK-France action follows recent Western operations, including intensified United States strikes last month after Islamic State militant attacks claimed the lives of U.S. service members and an interpreter, illustrating sustained coalition efforts to degrade extremist capabilities.
There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government, which has recently joined the international coalition against Islamic State as part of its own counter-terrorism aims.
Military analysts say the precision nature of the recent strikes reflects improved coalition intelligence and targeting methods aimed at neutralising underground infrastructure without endangering civilians in uninhabited areas around Palmyra.
The coordinated air assault highlights ongoing allied cooperation in addressing the persistent threat posed by Islamic State affiliates and securing long-term stability in the region.
The joint operation, executed near the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs province, involved Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jets and French combat aircraft using precision-guided Paveway IV bombs to destroy access tunnels leading to an underground arms depot previously used by Islamic State militants.
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence described the strike as successful in engaging the target, with initial assessments indicating that the suspected arms bunker was effectively hit.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the mission demonstrated Britain’s readiness to act alongside allies year-round to counter the evolving threat from Islamic State remnants and protect international security.
French military officials similarly highlighted the operation as part of Paris’s ongoing commitment to preventing the group’s resurgence.
Although the Islamic State group’s territorial caliphate was dismantled in Syria and Iraq in 2019, sleeper cells remain active and continue to pose a security challenge in both countries.
The joint UK-France action follows recent Western operations, including intensified United States strikes last month after Islamic State militant attacks claimed the lives of U.S. service members and an interpreter, illustrating sustained coalition efforts to degrade extremist capabilities.
There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government, which has recently joined the international coalition against Islamic State as part of its own counter-terrorism aims.
Military analysts say the precision nature of the recent strikes reflects improved coalition intelligence and targeting methods aimed at neutralising underground infrastructure without endangering civilians in uninhabited areas around Palmyra.
The coordinated air assault highlights ongoing allied cooperation in addressing the persistent threat posed by Islamic State affiliates and securing long-term stability in the region.
