0
0
Joint UK and France Airstrike in Syria
The UK France IS bunker Syria operation took place after British and French forces carried out a joint airstrike on an underground arms facility linked to the Islamic State group.
The UK Ministry of Defence said Royal Air Force Typhoon jets joined French aircraft in the operation. The strike targeted an underground arms cache used by Islamic State fighters in Syria.
Officials said the facility was located in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
Intelligence Led to Target Selection
According to the Ministry of Defence, careful intelligence analysis identified the site as a storage location for weapons and explosives. Officials said the bunker contained access tunnels leading underground.
RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft used Paveway IV precision guided bombs to strike the access points. The ministry said early assessments suggest the strike successfully engaged the target.
A detailed damage assessment is still under way.
No Civilian Casualties Reported
The Ministry of Defence said the strike took place late on Saturday. Officials said there were no signs of civilian harm during the operation.
All UK aircraft returned safely after completing the mission. A Voyager refuelling tanker supported the Typhoon jets during the strike.
UK Government Responds
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation showed the country’s commitment to working alongside allies. He said the action aimed to prevent any resurgence of Islamic State activity in the region.
Healey thanked the service members involved and praised their professionalism and courage. He said British forces remain ready to respond to threats throughout the year.
Continued RAF Operations Against IS
The RAF has continued patrols over Syria since the defeat of Islamic State at the battle of Baghuz in 2019. The Ministry of Defence said these patrols aim to prevent the group from rebuilding its presence.
Since 2014, RAF drones and manned aircraft have supported international coalition operations against Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq.
Ongoing Threat and Global Coalition
The United Nations estimates that Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters operating across Syria and Iraq.
In November, Syria became the 90th country to join a US led coalition against the group under its new leadership. Coalition officials said the effort focuses on eliminating remaining fighters and blocking the movement of foreign militants.
Last month, the US military carried out a large scale strike against Islamic State targets in Syria following an ambush near Palmyra.
For continued coverage, readers can visit the BlaqLoaded World News section. Related security updates are available in the BlaqLoaded Politics category.
Reporting from the UK Ministry of Defence and international agencies continues to shape updates on the UK France IS bunker Syria operation.
