British and French warplanes executed a coordinated air strike on an underground facility in central Syria, believed to be used by the Islamic State (IS) for storing weapons and explosives. The strikes took place on Saturday evening, targeting a structure located in the mountainous region north of Palmyra, in Homs Province, as confirmed by the British Defence Ministry.
The operation involved British Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, which were supported by a Voyager refueling tanker. French aircraft also participated in the joint strike. According to the statement from the Defence Ministry, British forces deployed Paveway IV guided bombs aimed at multiple access tunnels leading to the facility. Initial assessments suggest that the target was successfully engaged, although a detailed evaluation is currently underway.
John Healey, the UK’s Defence Secretary, emphasized the significance of this operation, 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.”
As of now, there has been no response from the Syrian government regarding the air strikes. Notably, Syria became a member of the anti-IS coalition in December 2025, marking its involvement in the ongoing conflict against the extremist group.
Despite IS’s territorial defeat in Syria in 2019, sleeper cells continue to conduct deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq, regions where the group once proclaimed its caliphate. The United Nations estimates that IS maintains a presence of between 5,000 and 7,000 members across its former strongholds.
The recent air strikes come in the wake of heightened military activity in the region. In December 2025, the Trump administration authorized military operations in Syria to eliminate IS fighters and weapon caches, following an ambush that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter near Palmyra.
The situation remains complex as the coalition continues its efforts to combat IS’s enduring threat, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and collaboration among international partners.
