The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) can confirm that Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon FGR4 aircraft have successfully conducted a joint air strike against a significant underground arms facility used by the Islamic State (IS) group in central Syria. The operation, carried out late Saturday in coordination with French aircraft, targeted a facility located in the mountainous terrain north of the ancient city of Palmyra.
RAF Typhoons and French aircraft have carried out a joint strike on an underground facility in Syria which had been occupied by the so-called Islamic State, the Ministry of Defence has said.
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Operation Details
Following a period of “careful” intelligence analysis, the MoD identified the mountain facility as a critical hub for storing weapons and explosives.
- Assets Involved: Multiple Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, deployed Paveway IV guided bombs.
- Objective: To collapse and seal access tunnels leading to the underground facility, neutralizing its capacity to supply local insurgent elements.
- Result: Initial assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully. All aircraft returned safely to their base of operations.
Civilian Safety
The MoD emphasizes that strict collateral damage mitigation protocols were followed. Detailed surveillance of the strike area showed no signs of civilian presence in the vicinity, and the Ministry believes no civilians were harmed during the engagement.
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Defeating the Resurgence
While the territorial “caliphate” was defeated in 2019 at the Battle of Baghuz, the United Nations estimates that between 5,000 and 7,000 IS fighters remain active in Syria and Iraq. This strike follows a “massive” U.S. coalition engagement last month and highlights the continued importance of the international coalition, which Syria—under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa—officially joined in November.
Statement from Defence Secretary John Healey
“This action shows our UK leadership and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous, violent ideologies in the Middle East.”
“I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage. Thousands of British personnel remained deployed over the Christmas and New Year period. This operation shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”
The RAF continues to conduct regular armed reconnaissance patrols over Syria and Iraq as part of the ongoing mission to prevent the resurgence of the group and protect regional stability.
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