Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets have partnered with French aircraft to carry out a joint airstrike on an underground arms facility in Syria, believed to be used by the Islamic State (IS) group. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the operation was based on "careful" intelligence analysis that suggested the facility was storing weapons and explosives.
The strike, which took place on Saturday night, targeted a facility located in the mountains just north of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Syria. The RAF used Paveway IV guided bombs to target several access tunnels leading to the underground facility. Initial reports suggest that the strike was successful.
“There is no indication that civilians were harmed during the strike, and all aircraft returned safely,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated.
The Rise and Fall of IS
The Islamic State imposed its extremist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until its defeat in 2019. Despite this, the group is believed to still have a presence in the region, with the United Nations estimating between 5,000 and 7,000 IS fighters remaining in Syria and Iraq.
Following the battle of Baghuz in 2019, RAF aircraft have continued patrols in Syria to prevent any resurgence of IS. The UK Ministry of Defence emphasized its ongoing role in the international coalition against IS, showing its commitment to eradicating the group’s dangerous and violent ideologies.
UK Defence Secretary's Statement
“This action demonstrates the UK’s leadership and determination to work alongside our allies to combat any resurgence of Daesh (IS) and their violent ideologies in the Middle East,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
He also praised the professionalism and courage of the British armed forces involved in the mission. “They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, aimed at eliminating dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, underscores our armed forces' readiness to protect both Britain and our allies, year-round,” Healey added.
Ongoing Efforts Against IS
The RAF has been part of the international coalition targeting IS since 2014, using both manned aircraft and drones to strike IS fighters and facilities. In November 2025, the US military carried out a major strike against IS targets in Syria, following an ambush that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
In a significant move, Syria, now under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, became the 90th country to join the US-led coalition against IS. This coalition aims to eliminate the remaining elements of the so-called Islamic State and stem the flow of foreign militants to the Middle East.
Source: Theghanareport.com
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