Combined UK-French Air Strike Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.

The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, 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 region," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.

UK warplanes have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who endanger our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."

Last December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.