UK FORCES have eliminated a top Islamic State commander in Syria in a targeted drone strike, as more than 3,000 insurgents prepare for a summer offensive against the new regime in Damascus. The RAF operation followed a series of terror attacks in the capital, where Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, hosted Foreign Secretary David Lammy last week.
Mr Lammy’s trip last weekend – the first by a British minister to Syria in 14 years – formed part of a broader UK effort to stabilise Ahmed al-Sharaa’s regime and offset any return of Russian or Iranian influence. It is also seen as a key in averting a fresh wave of migration, which could deepen the Labour government’s difficulties with illegal Channel crossings.
Whitehall sources say the UK is considering a security and stabilisation package, possibly including reconstruction support and military training.
While both the US and UK back al-Sharaa’s new Islamist HTS government, Islamic State has vowed to fight for a Syrian caliphate, recruiting thousands of fighters from Iraq.
RAF aircraft continue armed reconnaissance over Syria as part of Operation Shader, ready to strike IS targets when identified.
In a chilling echo of the 2020 US drone assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, the RAF strike used a remotely-piloted Reaper drone armed with Hellfire missiles.
Following an extensive intelligence operation, the high-value target – who has not been named – was killed while riding a motorcycle in Sarmada, northwestern Syria.
It marks Sir Keir Starmer’s second such targeted operation since taking power. The first, also against an ISIS operative, took place in February.
Senior military sources fear Islamic State is determined to re-establish a caliphate.
“This new, resurgent IS is attracting volunteers from across the Middle East – Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan,” said one source.
“They are extremely well equipped with weapons left by US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan – including helicopters, armoured vehicles and heavy artillery.”
Regional expert Megan Sutcliffe, of the Sibylline strategic risk group, said: “Britain is definitely making an effort to get closer to the government – to protect its strategic, economic and security-based interests in the region.”
She added that the US drawdown was a key factor. The US is withdrawing hundreds of troops from northeastern Syria and closing three of eight bases.
This follows the fall of Bashar Assad and a landmark deal for the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate into the new government.
“IS activity could lead to the splintering of Arab tribes and destabilisation of SDF forces,” she warned.
Beth Martin-Board, of the Satorum intelligence group, added: “The timing is interesting given the UK’s engagement with Syria last week.
“It could indicate some low-key coordination behind the scenes – especially if Damascus is reasserting control over key border zones.
“It’s likely this was quietly greenlit with an understanding that everyone has an interest in trimming down IS remnants.
“This is a win for the UK at a time when many have concerns over re-establishing ties with Damascus.”
A Government spokesman said: “On Tuesday 10 June, the crew of a Royal Air Force Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, armed with Hellfire missiles, identified a known Daesh (IS) terrorist riding a motorcycle in the area of Sarmada, in north-western Syria.
“The Reaper’s crew carefully tracked the terrorist and, having confirmed there were no civilians nearby, conducted a successful strike, eliminating the target.”