Joint strike targets underground IS weapons site

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, operating alongside French aircraft and supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, struck an underground arms and explosives facility in mountains just north of Palmyra. UK Ministry of Defence officials said careful intelligence work identified the site and that Paveway IV guided bombs were used to engage access tunnels leading to the cache. All aircraft returned safely and there were no signs of civilian harm; a detailed assessment of damage and the strike's effects is under way, with initial indications that the target was successfully engaged.

The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, framed the action as part of Britain’s commitment to countering any resurgence of the so-called Islamic State, praising the professionalism of personnel involved. The strike comes amid continued coalition operations in Syria and Iraq to eliminate remaining IS elements — the UN estimates the group still fields several thousand fighters — and follows recent allied strikes in the area, including a large US operation after an ambush near Palmyra. as reported by BBC

This story has also been reported by: The Guardian, ABC News, France 24