RAF carries out strikes against Daesh

The Royal Air Force has carried out successful strikes against Daesh in Syria in a joint operation with France.

Intelligence analysis identified an underground facility, in the mountains north of the ancient site of Palmyra. The facility had been occupied by Daesh, it is believed to store weapons and explosives.

RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, joined French aircraft in a joint strike on the underground facility on the evening of Saturday 3 January. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "This action shows our UK 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.

"I want to thank all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation – for their professionalism and their courage.

"They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our Armed Forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."