RAF Typhoons have joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground facility in Syria used by Islamic State to store weapons and explosives, the Ministry of Defence said
RAF Typhoons have teamed up with French aircraft in a coordinated assault on a subterranean facility in Syria that had been seized by Islamic State, presumably for storing weaponry and explosives, the Ministry of Defence announced.
Precision-guided munitions were deployed to hit multiple entrance tunnels leading to the underground complex, situated in the mountainous terrain close to the historic city of Palmyra in the nation’s heartland, during Saturday evening’s operation.
The installation had most likely been utilised for stockpiling arms and explosives, with the surrounding vicinity completely free of civilian presence, the ministry confirmed.
Defence Secretary John Healey declared the UK’s commitment to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies” in efforts to “stamp out any resurgence” of the extremist organisation, also referred to as the Islamic State, reports the Mirror.
He expressed gratitude to armed forces personnel who participated in the mission “to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life”.
Islamic State remains a threat both within the UK and worldwide. In October, it was revealed that the Manchester synagogue attacker had “pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group” during a 999 call he made amid the incident.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing North West, Jihad Al-Shamie personally contacted emergency services just minutes after the initial report from a member of the public.
During this call, the 35-year-old took responsibility for the assault at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and “pledged allegiance to Islamic State”, as stated by the authorities.
Al-Shamie was fatally shot by police outside the synagogue after he drove a car into pedestrians, assaulted them with a knife, and attempted to break into the building.
The official RAF website explains: “In December 2024, following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, the UK promised an additional £50 million to help vulnerable Syrians.
“£30 million will help people inside Syria with food, shelter, healthcare, and protection, while £20 million will support Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.
“The UK continues working to help the Syrian people and create lasting peace in the region through both humanitarian aid and diplomatic work, aiming to help build fair and democratic systems of government that work for everyone.”
What is the “Islamic State” ?
The Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIS or ISIL, is a Salafi jihadist militant group and a recognised terrorist organisation.
It aims to establish a global caliphate based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, a claim largely rejected by Muslims and world leaders.
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