Britain and France have confirmed carrying out coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) positions in Syria, in a renewed effort to stop the extremist group from rebuilding its operational strength.
In separate statements on Sunday, the two NATO allies said the operation was conducted under Operation Inherent Resolve, the United States–led coalition fighting IS across Iraq, Syria and parts of North Africa.
The British Ministry of Defence disclosed that Royal Air Force aircraft, working closely with French forces, struck an underground site in Syria on Saturday night. The facility was believed to have been used by IS to store weapons and explosives.
“Royal Air Force aircraft have completed successful strikes against Daesh in a joint operation with France,” the ministry said, using the Arabic name for the group. It added that the targeted location was in an uninhabited area, stressing that there was no indication civilians were at risk.
According to the ministry, the strike occurred north of the historic city of Palmyra, an area once held by IS during the height of its territorial control. Officials said the absence of nearby civilian settlements significantly reduced the likelihood of collateral damage.
France’s armed forces also confirmed the operation in a post on X, noting that the strikes were aimed at Islamic State positions as part of broader coalition efforts.
French authorities described preventing the group’s resurgence as a critical security priority for the region.
Although IS lost its territorial “caliphate” in Syria in 2019, the group continues to operate in pockets of the country, particularly across remote desert areas.
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International partners remain concerned that instability could allow the militants to regroup.
Security efforts have intensified as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist, works to consolidate control and stabilise the country following the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad just over a year ago.
Palmyra, home to world-renowned UNESCO-listed ruins, has repeatedly been a focal point in the conflict.
Last month, the United States reported that a lone IS attacker killed two American soldiers and a US civilian near the city, prompting US forces to launch retaliatory strikes on multiple IS targets across Syria.