British and French warplanes conducted a coordinated air strike on a suspected Islamic State (IS) site in central Syria, targeting an underground facility believed to house weapons and explosives. The strikes took place on Saturday evening, just north of the historic town of Palmyra in Homs Province, according to a statement from the British Defence Ministry.
The operation involved the British Royal Air Force deploying Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker. French aircraft participated in the mission, emphasizing the collaborative effort within the US-led coalition that has been combating IS militants for over a decade. The British military utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target access tunnels leading to the facility.
Initial assessments suggest that the strike was successful, with the ministry stating, “a detailed assessment is now under way.” Defence Secretary John Healey remarked that this operation demonstrates the United Kingdom’s commitment to working alongside allies to prevent any resurgence of IS and its violent ideologies in the Middle East.
While the Syrian government has not issued a response to the strikes, it is noteworthy that Syria joined the anti-IS coalition in late 2025. The conflict against IS continues despite the group’s territorial defeat in Syria in 2019. IS sleeper cells remain active, conducting deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq, where the group had previously declared its caliphate.
According to United Nations experts, IS retains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 members in its former strongholds across Syria and Iraq. The ongoing threat of IS has prompted military actions, including retaliatory strikes by the previous US administration in December 2025, following an ambush near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two US troops and an American civilian interpreter.
The recent air strikes by British and French forces underscore the continued international efforts to dismantle IS operations and restore stability to the region. The coalition’s resolve reflects a broader commitment to countering terrorism and ensuring regional security in the face of ongoing challenges.
