British and French forces have carried out a joint airstrike on an underground Islamic State (IS) arms storage facility in Syria, UK officials have confirmed.
The operation took place overnight, with RAF Typhoon fighter jets joining French aircraft to target what was described as a heavily fortified weapons bunker used by the extremist group. The strike was conducted as part of ongoing international efforts to prevent IS from regrouping and rebuilding its operational capacity in the region.
According to UK defence officials, intelligence indicated the site was being used to store advanced weaponry and ammunition intended for future attacks against civilian and military targets. The bunker was located in a remote area of eastern Syria, a region where remnants of IS cells are still active despite the group’s territorial defeat in recent years.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the strike was carefully planned to minimise the risk of civilian casualties and confirmed that all aircraft returned safely to base. Initial assessments suggest the target was successfully destroyed, significantly degrading IS logistical capabilities in the area.
French authorities also confirmed their participation, describing the operation as part of a continued commitment to counter-terrorism missions in the Middle East. Both countries are members of the US-led coalition formed to combat Islamic State following its rise across Iraq and Syria more than a decade ago.
The strike comes amid renewed concerns among Western governments that Islamic State affiliates are attempting to exploit instability in parts of Syria to rearm and reorganise. Coalition partners have repeatedly warned that, while weakened, the group remains a persistent security threat.
