🔗 Share this article UK and French Jets Strike Underground IS Arms Depot in the Syrian Desert In a coordinated military action, British and French warplanes struck an underground complex in Syria reportedly occupied by the Islamic State group. Details of the Joint Strike The operation took place on the evening of Saturday in a rugged, mountainous area near the ancient city of the city of Palmyra. Guided bombs were used to sever the access tunnels leading to the facility. “Early reports are that the site was successfully hit,” stated a military statement. Aircraft and Assets Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft carried out the airstrike, with the assistance of a Voyager fuel tanker to allow for longer missions. Nature of the Target The underground facility is believed to have been used primarily for the storage of weapons and explosives. Authorities indicated the adjacent region was devoid of non-combatants at the point of impact. Political and Military Resolve A senior defence official stated the nation's determination to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies” in order to “stamp out any comeback” of Islamic State. Appreciation was shown to the service personnel conducting the operation, which aimed to “eliminate threatening militants who threaten our way of life.” Broader Context Coalition warplanes have been conducting surveillance missions over parts of Syria to deter a potential resurgence of the Islamist militant group that held sway over large areas in the nation up until 2019.