Combined Anglo-French Airstrike Strikes Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The location, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.

RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."

Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.