London, Jan.4 (SANA) The UK Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that Royal Air Force aircraft, in cooperation with French aircraft, conducted a joint strike against an ISIS site near the city of Palmyra, central Syria.
In a statement published on its official website, the ministry said detailed intelligence analysis revealed an underground facility in mountainous terrain belonging to ISIS, several miles north of the Palmyra archaeological site. The facility was believed to have been used for storing weapons and explosives.
The ministry said Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling tanker, joined French aircraft in carrying out the joint operation. Paveway IV precision-guided bombs were used to strike a number of tunnels leading into the facility.
According to the statement, initial indications suggest the site was successfully hit and that the strike posed no risk to civilians.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation demonstrated Britain’s determination to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with its allies to prevent any resurgence of ISIS and what he described as its dangerous and violent ideology in the Middle East. He also thanked British service members involved in the mission.
Last month U.S. Department of War (Pentagon) said American forces carried out strikes targeting dozens of ISIS sites in Syria in response to an attack by the group on Dec. 13 that targeted joint Syrian-American forces near Palmyra.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has previously affirmed Syria’s commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring the group has no safe havens on its territory. The ministry has called on the United States and members of the international coalition to support Syria’s efforts in fighting terrorism.
