British and French aircraft have conducted a joint strike on an underground facility in Syria occupied by Islamic State, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The raid, which took place on Saturday evening, targeted access tunnels near the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
Guided bombs were used to destroy the site, which was likely used to store weapons and explosives. The Ministry of Defence stated that initial indications suggest the target was successfully engaged, and the surrounding area was free of civilians.
Typhoon FGR4 combat jets, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, carried out the operation. Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK was determined to 'stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies' to prevent any resurgence of Islamic State.
He thanked the armed forces personnel involved in the mission, which aimed to 'eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life'. Western aircraft have been conducting patrols to stop the militant group, which ruled parts of Syria until 2019, from regrouping.
