British and French Forces Conduct Joint Airstrike on ISIS Weapons Facility in Syria
On 3 January 2026, British and French forces carried out a joint airstrike targeting an underground Islamic State weapons facility near Palmyra in central Syria.
The operation utilized guided bombs aimed at access tunnels leading to the site, which was likely used to store weapons and explosives. Authorities reported the area around the facility was devoid of civilians.
The airstrike took place in the mountainous region near Palmyra and was described as an effort to eliminate dangerous terrorists and prevent the resurgence of IS.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the United Kingdom remains committed to standing with its allies to eradicate IS and expressed gratitude to the armed forces involved.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the strike was a coordinated action with France intended to disrupt Islamic State capabilities.
