British and French warplanes conducted an 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 Saturday evening, just north of the ancient town of Palmyra in Homs Province, as confirmed by the British Defence Ministry.
The coordinated strike involved the use of British Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets, which were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, and French aircraft joined in the mission. According to the ministry’s statement, the British military deployed Paveway IV guided bombs to target several access tunnels leading to the facility. Initial assessments indicate that the operation was successful, although a detailed evaluation is currently underway.
Response from UK Officials
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. The strikes come as part of ongoing efforts by the US-led coalition, in which both Britain and France have participated for over a decade.
There has been no immediate response from the Syrian government regarding the air strikes. It is noteworthy that Syria joined the anti-IS coalition in late 2025. Despite the group’s territorial defeat in Syria in 2019, IS sleeper cells continue to execute deadly attacks across both Syria and Iraq, regions where they once declared their caliphate.
Current Landscape of IS Activity
Experts from the United Nations estimate that IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 members within its former stronghold across Syria and Iraq. This persistent presence poses challenges to regional stability and security. In December, the Trump administration initiated military strikes in Syria aimed at “eliminating” IS fighters and weapons sites, following an ambush attack near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two US troops and an American civilian interpreter.
The recent air strike marks a continuation of international military efforts to counter the resurgence of extremist groups in the region. As the situation evolves, the coalition remains vigilant in its operations to prevent the spread of IS’s violent ideologies and to protect the safety of both regional and global communities.
