Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), the UK Ministry of Defence says.
Careful intelligence analysis led officials to believe the facility was storing arms and explosives, the statement added, and was located in the mountainous region just north of Palmyra.
Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels leading to the facility... initial indications suggest that the target was engaged successfully, the MoD remarked.
The strike, which occurred late on Saturday, reported no harm to civilians, with all aircraft returning safely. Detailed assessments of the impact are currently underway.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refueling tanker in this operation, underscoring the UK's commitment to international military coordination against ISIS.
British Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the significance of this action in demonstrating the UK's determination to confront the rise of Daesh and indicated that around 5,000-7,000 fighters are still active in Syria and Iraq.
He commended the professionalism and courage of the armed forces involved, stating this operation reflects their readiness to maintain security throughout the year.
The RAF has regularly conducted patrols and airstrikes in Syria as part of a broader coalition effort against ISIS since the group's territorial loses in 2019.
