This weekend, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the French air force teamed up for a precision strike against a suspected Islamic State (IS) arms depot hidden underground in Syria's desert mountains. Using Paveway IV guided bombs, the jets zeroed in on access tunnels beneath the ancient site of Palmyra (an operation military officials say was a success with no risk to nearby civilians).
According to the British Defense Ministry statement released on Saturday night, the facility was likely storing weapons and explosives. "The area is devoid of any civilian habitation," the ministry added, confirming the bombs hit their mark.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the UK remains committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with its allies to stamp out any resurgence of IS. ✊
Just weeks earlier, in mid-December 2025, the U.S. military carried out a massive strike against IS targets across central Syria. That operation followed an IS ambush in Palmyra on December 13, which killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, and involved over 100 precision munitions striking more than 70 locations.
As Western aircraft continue regular patrols, this latest mission shows the determination to keep militant strongholds in check and protect regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
