Combined UK-French Air Strike Targets Islamic State Arms Cache in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages down to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

Daesh - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.

UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of thousands of British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."

In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The UN reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.