PALMYRA, SYRIA – In a coordinated show of force, British and French warplanes conducted a precision strike on Saturday against a suspected Islamic State (IS) weapons storage facility in central Syria. The operation highlights the continued commitment of Western allies to preventing the extremist group from regaining a foothold in the region.
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The strike targeted a reinforced underground bunker and tunnel network located in the rugged mountains north of Palmyra. Intelligence reports suggested the site was a critical logistics hub used by IS sleeper cells to store munitions and explosives for future insurgent attacks.
- Deployment: The Royal Air Force (RAF) deployed Typhoon FGR4 jets from RAF Akrotiri, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker.
- Precision Strikes: Pilots used Paveway IV laser-guided bombs to collapse the facility’s entrances, effectively neutralizing the cache.
- Civilian Safety: The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the site was in a remote, uninhabited area, and post-strike assessments indicated no civilian casualties.
Regional Context and Security
This mission occurs during a volatile period for Syrian security. Following the collapse of the previous regime in late 2024, the new Syrian administration has actively sought international support to purge the desert regions of remaining IS remnants.
The strike follows a series of high-intensity engagements by the U.S. military in late 2025. Despite losing its “caliphate” years ago, IS continues to operate as a low-level insurgency, utilizing the vast Badia desert and mountainous terrain to evade local forces.
Official Statements
UK Defence Secretary John Healey praised the coordination between the RAF and the French Air Force, stating:
