Sun Jan 04 03:17:51 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text:
Summary:
On January 3, 2026, British and French air forces conducted a joint bombing operation against a suspected Islamic State (ISIS) underground arms cache located north of Palmyra, Syria. The British Defence Ministry stated that intelligence indicated the facility was being used to store weapons and explosives. British Typhoon FGR4 combat jets, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, used Paveway IV guided bombs to target access tunnels to the facility. Initial assessments suggest the target was successfully engaged. The operation aimed to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in the region, and Britain emphasized its commitment to working with allies to combat the group. No civilian habitation was present in the area, and all aircraft returned safely.
News Article:
UK and France Launch Joint Airstrike Against Suspected ISIS Arms Cache in Syria
LONDON – January 4, 2026 – British and French air forces conducted a joint military operation on Saturday evening targeting a suspected underground arms depot believed to be used by the Islamic State group in Syria. The UK Defence Ministry confirmed the airstrike, stating that intelligence analysis identified the facility, located in the mountains north of Palmyra, as a storage site for weapons and explosives.
The operation saw British Typhoon FGR4 combat jets, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, utilize Paveway IV guided bombs to target access tunnels leading to the underground facility. “Whilst detailed assessment is now underway, initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK’s commitment to combating the resurgence of ISIS, also referred to as Daesh. “This action shows our U.K. leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East,” Healey said.
The Defence Ministry confirmed that the targeted area was devoid of civilian habitation prior to the attack and that all participating aircraft returned safely. Western forces have maintained ongoing patrols in the region since 2019 to prevent the re-emergence of the Islamist militant group.
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