UK and France Conduct Airstrikes on ISIS Facility in Syria
British and French warplanes have targeted an underground site believed to house weapons and explosives used by Islamic State militants. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense on Sunday.
The strikes occurred on Saturday evening in a mountainous region north of Palmyra, located in Syria’s Homs province.
Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, with support from Voyager refueling tankers and acting in coordination with French forces, struck an access tunnel leading into the underground facility, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.
Paveway IV precision-guided bombs were utilized during this operation.
While evaluations are still ongoing, preliminary results indicate that the mission’s objectives may have been successfully accomplished, as stated by the ministry.
Britain and France are part of the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which was formed to combat the extremist group after it took control of large territories in Iraq and Syria.
British Defense Secretary John Healy remarked that this strike showcases Britain’s commitment to thwart any potential resurgence of the Islamic State, highlighting the importance of standing “side-by-side with our allies” in the fight against extremist violence in the Middle East.
This operation aligns with ongoing U.S. military actions in Syria, where American forces are focused on counter-terrorism efforts.
In December, the Trump administration ordered a significant strike across central Syria, following an ambush that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter near Palmyra.
According to U.S. Central Command, despite the relentless pressure from coalition forces, ISIS continues to pose a persistent threat in the region.
Centcom indicated that recent U.S. operations have also targeted infrastructure and weapon depots in central Syria, with Centcom commander Adm. Brad Cooper affirming their resolve: “We will not relent,” he stated. “We remain steadfast in working with our regional partners to eliminate the threat ISIS poses to U.S. and regional security.”
The UK Ministry of Defense has been approached for further comments regarding these developments.
