British and French forces have conducted a coordinated airstrike on an underground site in central Syria that was being used by Islamic State, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The strike targeted tunnel entrances near Palmyra using guided bombs dropped by Typhoon jets, with early assessments indicating the operation was successful and no civilians were present.
Officials said the facility was likely used to store weapons and explosives, and the mission was supported by a Voyager refuelling aircraft.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the action demonstrated the UK’s commitment to working with allies to prevent any resurgence of IS, which lost territorial control in 2019.
A Royal Air Force Typhoon pilot carries out aircraft checks before take-off on Saturday. Photograph: Sgt Lee Goddard/MoD Crown copyright/PA