Royal Air Force Typhoon jets joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed. The operation took place late on Saturday in the mountains north of Palmyra, an area of central Syria known for its ancient ruins.
Intelligence analysis indicated the facility was storing weapons and explosives, prompting the coalition to carry out the precision attack. RAF Typhoon FGR4 jets dropped Paveway IV guided bombs on multiple access tunnels leading to the underground site. The MoD reported that all aircraft returned safely and there were no reports of civilian casualties. Officials said initial assessments suggest the target was successfully destroyed.
The Typhoon jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling aircraft during the mission. The strike is part of the ongoing effort to prevent a resurgence of IS following the group’s defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019. UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the operation as a demonstration of Britain’s commitment to standing with international allies to eliminate extremist threats.
“This action shows our 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,” Healey said. He added that the personnel involved demonstrated professionalism and courage during the mission, which took place over the Christmas and New Year period.
Since 2014, the RAF has been part of the US-led coalition targeting IS in Syria and Iraq. Both manned aircraft and drones have been used to strike fighters and infrastructure linked to the group. The coalition aims to eliminate remaining IS elements and prevent foreign militants from joining the conflict in the Middle East.
The United Nations estimates that IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters operating in Syria and Iraq. In November, Syria, under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, joined the coalition as its 90th member, further supporting international efforts against the group.
The strike on Saturday follows a major US operation last month targeting IS positions near Palmyra after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The UK MoD said the latest operation shows the readiness of British armed forces to act against threats to security at home and abroad.
“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,” Healey added.
The coalition continues to monitor Syria for potential IS activity, with RAF aircraft patrolling the region to disrupt any attempts to regroup or rebuild.
