Coordinated Anglo-French Air Strike Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.

British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."

During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.