Coordinated Anglo-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Munitions Store in Syria

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.

The location, identified by intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.

British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."

During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.