UK and France Launch Joint Airstrike on IS Arms Cache in Syria

Mon Jan 05 2026 06:29:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a coordinated military operation, the Royal Air Force and French jets targeted an Islamic State arms facility in Syria, showcasing international efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) and French military aircraft executed a successful airstrike on a hidden arms cache used by the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria. The operation targeted tunnels containing weapons and explosives, located in the mountainous region north of Palmyra. UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the significance of UK leadership in global efforts against IS resurgence, reinforcing the resolve of allied forces to confront ongoing threats.

The Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), the UK Ministry of Defence has reported.

The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, and was situated in the mountains just north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.

According to the MoD, Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels leading down to the facility. Initial indications suggest that the target was successfully engaged, they stated.

There were no signs of civilian casualties from the strike late on Saturday, and all aircraft returned safely.

The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refueling tanker.

IS, also known as Daesh, imposed jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until its major defeat in 2019.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey commented, This action demonstrates our commitment and leadership in partnership with allies to prevent any resurgence of Daesh and its violent ideologies in the Middle East. The Ministry has noted ongoing RAF patrols in Syria since IS's defeat at the battle of Baghuz.

Healey expressed gratitude for the professionalism and courage of the armed forces involved in the operation, highlighting that they were among thousands of British personnel on duty over the Christmas and New Year period. He emphasized the readiness of the armed forces to act throughout the year to safeguard the UK and maintain strong international positions.

In December, the US military executed a significant strike against IS targets in Syria after a deadly ambush resulted in the loss of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter near Palmyra.

The United Nations reports that IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters active in Syria and Iraq, indicating the ongoing challenge of combatting terrorism in the region.