Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Targets Islamic State Weapons Depot in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.

The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages down to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.

RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," he added. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."

In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.