The UK’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that British and French aircraft successfully executed a joint strike on an underground facility occupied by the Islamic State in Syria. That’s what took place in a grim, unexpected military operation on Saturday evening. It’s a historic advance in the long war against the brutal extremist group that is in full control of over two-thirds of the country.
The targeted site, located in a mountainous region near the ancient city of Palmyra, served as a crucial weapons store for the Islamic State. The operation employed the use of guided bombs to strike access tunnels into the facility. This was a smart move, because this strategy significantly neutered primary points of entry.
Typhoon FGR4 combat jets, or fighters, conducted the airstrikes. A Voyager refueling tanker was key in support by maintaining persistent air cover for the long duration of the mission. This highly coordinated joint effort demonstrates the West forces’ resolve in preventing any return of the Islamic State. The group retained dominion over swaths of Syria until 2019.
Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the need to work together with allies in this trench warfare against rising costs. He stated that the UK is determined to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies” to stamp out any resurgence of the extremist group.
Western planes are flying over the area almost every day. This is just one component of a larger strategy to ensure that we do not see a resurgence of Islamic State fighters. The global community can never take our eyes off the threat from such extremist groups as their nature continues to adapt and change.