RAF jets have carried out a joint air strike with French forces on an underground Islamic State facility in Syria, as part of continuing efforts to prevent a resurgence of the terror group.
The Royal Air Force has maintained regular patrols over the country since the military defeat of Isil at Baghuz Fawqani in March 2019.
Intelligence analysis recently identified a subterranean site in the mountains north of the ancient city of Palmyra, believed to have been used by the group to store weapons and explosives.
On the evening of Saturday January 3, RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, joined French jets in a coordinated strike on the site.
Paveway IV precision-guided bombs were used to hit several access tunnels leading to the facility.
The location was assessed to be in a remote area with no civilian population nearby.
A full assessment of the strike is current underway, but initial indications suggest the target was successfully hit. The Ministry of Defence said there was no evidence of any risk to civilians, and all RAF aircraft returned safely.
“This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East,” Defence Secretary John Healey MP said.
“I want to thank all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation – for their professionalism and their courage.
“They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year.
“This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our Armed Forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.” he said.
