UK and France launch air strike on ISIS facility near Palmyra
The British and French air forces conducted a joint air strike on the Islamic State terrorist organisation's underground facility in the mountainous area north of Palmyra on the evening of 3 January. This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defence, writes DW.
According to the ministry, the attack targeted tunnels leading to a weapons and explosives cache. Paveway IV guided bombs were used in the attack. The British side stressed that there were no civilians in the area of the target at the time of the operation, and a preliminary assessment indicates that the target was successfully hit.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation demonstrates the allies' readiness to prevent the restoration of ISIS' combat capabilities and ideology in the Middle East.
The United States continues to lead the international coalition against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Despite the loss of control over large areas, the group maintains pockets of activity that are periodically targeted by allied air strikes.
