Combined UK-French Airstrike Targets IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.

The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.

British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."

In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, following an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The UN reports Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.