Combined British-French Aerial Assault Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.

The location, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts down to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.

UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."

In December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.