British and French warplanes strike suspected IS weapons facility in Syria
British and French Warplanes Conduct Airstrike on Islamic State Underground Facility in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria — British and French warplanes joined forces to carry out a targeted airstrike on an underground facility in central Syria suspected to be storing weapons and explosives belonging to the Islamic State group, as confirmed by the British defense ministry on Sunday.
The coordinated airstrikes took place on Saturday evening at a structure located in the mountains north of the historic town of Palmyra in Homs province, according to the official statement released by the ministry.
As part of the U.S.-led coalition combatting IS militants, British and French military forces collaborated on the operation. The British Royal Air Force utilized Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, with additional support from French aircraft. The strike involved the use of Paveway IV guided bombs to target access tunnels leading to the facility, with initial assessments indicating a successful engagement of the target.
Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the significance of the joint operation in demonstrating unity and resolve against the resurgence of IS and its extremist ideologies in the region. The action underscores the commitment of the UK and its allies to eradicate the threat posed by the terrorist group in the Middle East.
While there has been no immediate response from the Syrian government regarding the airstrikes, Syria recently joined the anti-IS coalition in late 2021. Despite the territorial defeat of IS in 2019, the presence of sleeper cells continues to pose a threat, carrying out deadly attacks in Syria and Iraq.
According to U.N. experts, IS still maintains a significant number of members within its former strongholds in Syria and Iraq, estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,000 individuals. The ongoing efforts to target and dismantle the remnants of the group are crucial in preventing further violence and instability in the region.
In a similar vein, the Trump administration had previously authorized military strikes in Syria to eliminate IS fighters and weapons sites following an ambush attack near Palmyra that resulted in casualties among U.S. troops and personnel. The continued collaboration and decisive action by international partners reflect a shared commitment to combatting terrorism and promoting security in the region.
