Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Hits Islamic State Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.

The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts leading to the site... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.

RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."

During December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.