UK and French Jets Strike ISIS Site Near Palmyra

Britain's Royal Air Force and French aircraft conducted a joint airstrike on Saturday evening targeting an underground facility in the mountains north of Palmyra, Syria, believed to have been used by the Islamic State group to store weapons and explosives, the UK Ministry of Defence said.

The operation focused on access tunnels leading to the site, which intelligence analysis identified as a potential arms cache previously occupied by the militants, also known as Daesh. UK Typhoon FGR4 combat jets, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, deployed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike the entrances. Officials described the surrounding area as devoid of civilian habitation, ensuring no risk to non-combatants. All participating aircraft returned safely to base.

Initial assessments indicate the target was successfully engaged, though a detailed evaluation is ongoing. The strike forms part of broader Western aerial patrols over Syria aimed at preventing any resurgence of Islamic State, which once controlled significant territory in the country before its territorial defeat in the 2019 battle of Baghuz.

"This action shows our UK leadership and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder...