British and French warplanes executed a coordinated air strike on a suspected Islamic State (IS) facility in central Syria, targeting an underground site believed to house weapons and explosives. The operation took place on the evening of October 28, 2023, in the mountainous region just north of the ancient town of Palmyra, located in Homs Province. This information was confirmed by the British Defence Ministry.
The air strike involved the use of Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets from the Royal Air Force, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker. French aircraft participated in the joint mission, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the UK and France as part of the long-standing US-led coalition against IS militants. The British military deployed Paveway IV guided bombs to target access tunnels leading to the facility.
According to the Defence Ministry, initial assessments suggest that the operation was effective, with indications that the target was successfully engaged. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the significance of this action, stating, “This action shows our UK leadership and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and its violent ideologies in the Middle East.”
There has been no immediate response from the Syrian government regarding the air strikes. Notably, Syria joined the anti-IS coalition in late 2025. Despite the military defeat of IS in the region in 2019, the group continues to pose a threat through sleeper cells that conduct deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq, where they once declared a caliphate.
UN experts estimate that IS still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 members across its former strongholds in Syria and Iraq. In December of last year, the US military launched strikes aimed at eliminating IS fighters and weapon sites in response to an ambush near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two US troops and an American civilian interpreter.
The recent air strikes underscore the ongoing international commitment to countering the threat posed by IS, which remains a significant concern in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus on collaborative military efforts is likely to remain a key strategy in addressing the resurgence of extremist groups.
