Britain and France carried out a joint airstrike on Saturday targeting a suspected underground arms facility used by the Islamic State group in Syria. Officials said the operation aimed to prevent a resurgence of the militant organisation in the region.
The airstrike focused on a site in the mountains north of Palmyra, identified through intelligence analysis as a storage facility for weapons and explosives. Britain confirmed the area was free of civilian habitation, minimising the risk of collateral damage.
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Typhoon FGR4 combat jets were deployed for the mission, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, while Paveway IV guided bombs were used to destroy access tunnels leading to the underground facility. Initial assessments indicate the target was successfully engaged.
British Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation demonstrates the United Kingdom’s commitment to working alongside allies to combat Daesh and prevent the spread of its violent ideology throughout the Middle East.
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Western forces have maintained patrols over Syria to monitor and stop any attempts by Islamic State remnants to regroup. The group, which once controlled large parts of Syria, has been largely defeated since 2019 but continues posing a security threat.
Both air forces reported that all aircraft returned safely, and further evaluation of the strike’s effectiveness is underway. The joint action underscores continued international efforts to stabilise Syria and prevent the revival of extremist operations.