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British and French fighter jets have carried out a coordinated air strike on an underground weapons bunker in central Syria believed to be used by the Islamic State group, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets joined French aircraft in the operation late on Saturday, targeting a concealed facility in mountainous terrain north of Palmyra. Defence officials said intelligence assessments indicated the site was being used to store weapons and explosives intended for future attacks.
According to the Ministry of Defence, RAF aircraft deployed precision-guided Paveway IV bombs aimed at multiple tunnel entrances leading to the underground complex. Early analysis suggests the strike was successful in neutralising the target. All aircraft returned safely to base after the mission, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker.
The MoD said there was no indication of civilian casualties or damage to nearby communities. A detailed post-strike assessment is continuing to determine the full impact of the operation.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the action demonstrated Britain's continued commitment to preventing any revival of Islamic State, also known as Daesh. He said the strike showed the UK's readiness to act alongside allies to counter extremist threats in the region.
Healey praised the personnel involved, noting the operation took place during the holiday period, when thousands of British troops remain deployed worldwide. He said the mission highlighted the armed forces' ability to respond to security threats year-round.
Islamic State once controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq, imposing brutal rule before being territorially defeated in 2019 following the battle of Baghuz. Since then, coalition forces have focused on disrupting remaining cells and preventing the group from regrouping.
RAF aircraft have continued surveillance and strike missions over Syria as part of the international coalition established in 2014. The United Nations estimates that IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters operating across Syria and Iraq.
Last month, US forces conducted what they described as a major strike against IS targets in Syria after an ambush near Palmyra killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Syria recently joined the US-led coalition under its new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, becoming the 90th member state. Coalition officials say efforts remain focused on dismantling Islamic State's operational capabilities and preventing the movement of foreign fighters across the region.
