RAF strikes ISIS underground facility in Syria

On 3 January 2026, the UK Royal Air Force conducted airstrikes on an underground Islamic State facility in Syria, using Typhoon FGR4 jets equipped with Paveway IV guided bombs. The operation, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, was carried out in coordination with French forces. The target—a suspected weapons and explosives storage site—was located in mountainous terrain north of Palmyra. The Ministry of Defence confirmed multiple access tunnels were hit, aiming to prevent a Daesh resurgence. No civilians were reported in the area, and all aircraft returned safely. Defence Secretary John Healey stated the strike targeted terrorists threatening global security. The UK has used Typhoons against ISIS since 2015, and the attack followed recent US strikes in December 2025.