Joint Anglo-French Aerial Assault Strikes IS Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.

The location, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.

There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - also known as Daesh - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action shows British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," he said. "They were part of thousands of British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."

In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The U.N. estimates Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.