British and French military forces carried out a coordinated airstrike on an underground facility in central Syria that intelligence analysis identified as a suspected weapons and explosives storage site previously used by the Islamic State group.

The strike took place on the evening of January 3, as Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jets and French aircraft deployed precision-guided Paveway IV bombs against multiple access tunnels leading into the subterranean complex north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs province.

Initial assessments by the UK Ministry of Defence indicate that the target was successfully engaged and that all aircraft returned safely to base.

The British mission was supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, and officials said there was no indication that the operation posed any risk to civilians, noting that the surrounding area was devoid of habitation.

The joint strike underlined sustained Western military cooperation against remnants of the ISIS network, which, despite losing territorial control in Syria in 2019, continues to operate through clandestine cells and occasional attacks across the region.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation demonstrated Britain’s resolve to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies” in preventing any resurgence of the extremist organisation and safeguarding regional and international security.

French military authorities also highlighted the importance of counter-terrorism efforts as part of ongoing coalition operations in Syria.

The airstrike follows a campaign of allied actions, including recent United States strikes last month in retaliation for a deadly ambush that killed American personnel near Palmyra, underscoring persistent threats posed by insurgent groups and the continued commitment of Western partners to degrade their capabilities.