DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) – British and French warplanes executed an airstrike in central Syria targeting an underground facility believed to be storing weapons and explosives associated with the Islamic State group. This operation was confirmed by the British defense ministry on Sunday, following strikes that took place on Saturday evening.
The airstrike was carried out on a structure located in the mountains just north of the historical town of Palmyra in Homs province, according to the ministry's statement. This operation is part of broader efforts by the U.S.-led coalition combating IS militants for over ten years.
During this joint strike, the British military deployed Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, alongside French aircraft. The British air force utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target several access tunnels leading down to the underground facility. The ministry indicated that while a detailed assessment is ongoing, initial reports suggest that the target was successfully engaged.
British Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized that this action reflects the UK's commitment and leadership in collaboration with its allies to combat any resurgence of IS and its "violent ideologies" in the Middle East. There has been no immediate response from the Syrian government regarding the airstrikes. Notably, Syria joined the anti-IS coalition late last year.
Despite its official defeat in Syria in 2019, IS sleeper cells continue to orchestrate deadly attacks within both Syria and Iraq, areas where the extremists previously proclaimed their caliphate. United Nations experts estimate that IS still maintains a presence of approximately 5,000 to 7,000 members spread across its former stronghold in Syria and Iraq.
In a related incident last month, the Trump administration initiated military strikes in Syria aimed at "eliminating" IS fighters and weapon caches. This retaliation followed an ambush attack near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter.
