Joint UK-French Airstrike Targets Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.

The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.

RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, shows how British military are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.