UK and French Aircraft Target Underground IS Weapons Store in the Syrian Desert
Through a combined operation, British and French warplanes have targeted an underground complex in central Syria previously used by the Islamic State group.
Information on the Combined Operation
The mission occurred on Saturday evening in a rugged, mountainous area in the vicinity of the archaeological site of the city of Palmyra.
Laser-guided bombs were used to target and destroy the underground passages leading to the site.
“Initial indications suggest the site was successfully hit,” stated a official communiqué.
Aircraft and Assets
Typhoon FGR4 warplanes carried out the attack, with the assistance of a Voyager fuel tanker to allow for longer missions.
Suspected Use of the Site
The underground facility is thought to have been employed as the warehousing of explosives and armaments.
Officials stated the adjacent region was free from civilian presence at the point of impact.
Political and Military Resolve
The UK's defence chief declared the government's commitment to act in unison with key allies” in order to eradicate any re-emergence” of Islamic State.
Appreciation was shown to the service personnel who took part in the mission, which aimed to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life.”
Broader Context
Coalition warplanes have maintained surveillance missions over parts of Syria to prevent a potential resurgence of the extremist organization that held sway over swathes of land in the country up until 2019.
