Coordinated UK-French Airstrike Hits Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.

The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages down to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.

British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of a great many British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."

Last December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN reports IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.