The United Kingdom and France have carried out a joint strike, which targeted and destroyed an Islamic State’s underground facility in central Syria.
The operation, conducted over the weekend, followed an intelligence analysis that revealed the buried storage in the mountains, some miles north of the ancient site of Palmyra.
The British government disclosed that Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft have continued to conduct patrols over Syria to prevent any attempted resurgence of ISIS terrorists.
The reconnaissance track movements since the defeat of ISIS in March 2019 during the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani, the Syrian Democratic Forces’ offensive, supported by the US-led coalition.
The UK said the decimated facility had been occupied by ISIS, most likely to store weapons and explosives, adding that the area had no civilian habitation.
Supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, the RAF Typhoon FGR4s joined French aircraft in a collective bombardment of the storage on Saturday evening.
Paveway IV guided bombs were used to hit several access tunnels down to the underground facility. All aircraft returned safely after the operation.
“Whilst detailed assessment is now underway, initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully,” the UK Home Office noted.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the action affirms Britian’s resolve to work with allies to thwart ISIS reemergence “and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East.”
Healey, a member of parliament, praised all the members of the Armed Forces involved in the intervention for their courage and professionalism.
