Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Targets IS Arms Cache in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.

The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.

The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.

British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."

During December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

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