Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Strikes Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.

The location, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.

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

The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."

During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.