Combined Anglo-French Air Strike Strikes IS Arms Cache in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.

The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

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

The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - established extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.

RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."

Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

The UN estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.