UK and France Conduct Joint Strike Against ISIL Target Near Palmyra

UK Ministry of Defence Announces Strike on ISIL Facility in Syria

The UK’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its aircraft participated in a joint operation with France to strike an underground facility in Syria, which was believed to be used by the ISIL group to store weapons. The target area, located north of the ancient site of Palmyra, was reported to be devoid of any civilian habitation.

According to the Ministry’s statement, the Royal Air Force aircraft completed successful strikes against Daesh (ISIL) in the operation. The US military had previously announced that it had killed or captured approximately 25 ISIL fighters in a series of attacks over nine days in Syria.

Turkish authorities have also reported detaining over 100 ISIL suspects in nationwide raids, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stating that 125 suspects were rounded up across 25 provinces. This operation was the third of its kind in less than a week during the holiday season and follows recent clashes between Turkish police and suspected ISIL members.

The ISIL group has been reported to be resurgent in Syria, with activity levels increasing since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad last year. The group is also believed to maintain sleeper cells in Turkey, which shares a 900km border with Syria. In recent years, ISIL has carried out attacks in both countries, including a deadly incident at an Istanbul nightclub during New Year’s celebrations in 2017.

The strikes and arrests are part of efforts to counter the group’s resurgence, following a period of relative dormancy. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing security challenges in Syria and Turkey.

Source: Al Jazeera