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Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, in collaboration with French aircraft, have struck an underground arms cache in Syria linked to the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The operation targeted a facility believed to store arms and explosives in the mountains north of Palmyra. Initial reports indicate a successful attack using Paveway IV guided bombs on several access tunnels, without civilian casualties.

The strike, conducted late on Saturday, followed careful intelligence analysis. All aircraft involved returned safely. A Voyager refuelling tanker assisted the Typhoon FGR4s, ensuring the mission's success. This joint operation underscores ongoing efforts by UK and allied forces to prevent IS's resurgence, and continues operations initiated after the group's territorial defeat in 2019.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of this action, demonstrating his commitment to eliminating threats posed by IS. Healey praised the professionalism and bravery of the British forces, highlighting their readiness to safeguard security both domestically and abroad, even during the festive season. The RAF has actively used both drones and manned aircraft against IS targets since 2014, contributing to international efforts against the group.

The United Nations estimates that IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. Recently, Syria, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, became the 90th country to join the US-led coalition against IS. This coalition aims to dismantle remaining IS elements and halt the influx of foreign militants to the region.

Last month, the US military conducted a significant strike against IS in Syria after an ambush resulted in the deaths of American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. This latest collaborative effort between the UK and France is part of a broader strategy to maintain pressure on IS and ensure regional stability, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways:

• RAF and French jets target IS arms cache in Syria, achieving mission success.

• No civilian casualties were reported, and the jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

• Operation is part of ongoing coalition efforts against IS resurgence.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-05

 

 

Should have saved money and bombed London.

That would have guaranteed killing a lot more terrorists.

Many a true word spoken in jest.

Good luck in eliminating (or at least significantly weakening, I mean) IS without boots on the ground ! Just conducting air strikes are not gonna do the job.

The thing is , Western nations (understandably to a large degree) are not willing to commit to boots on the ground there anymore. So, ultimately, this will be the job of the new Syrian regime. And, how willing will a regime led by an ex jihadi (and maybe still a jihadi, who knows) be to fight jihadis ? Even assuming they will be somewhat willing to do that, will they be capable enough to beat IS ?!

Syria is doomed, man.

1 hour ago, JemJem said:

Good luck in eliminating (or at least significantly weakening, I mean) IS without boots on the ground ! Just conducting air strikes are not gonna do the job.

The thing is , Western nations (understandably to a large degree) are not willing to commit to boots on the ground there anymore. So, ultimately, this will be the job of the new Syrian regime. And, how willing will a regime led by an ex jihadi (and maybe still a jihadi, who knows) be to fight jihadis ? Even assuming they will be somewhat willing to do that, will they be capable enough to beat IS ?!

Syria is doomed, man.

That was a job the Kurds were happily doing, but they have been sidelined in order to leave territory to Turkish proxies...