Combined UK-French Airstrike Strikes Daesh Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.

The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.

The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.

The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.

RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.

"I must thank all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."

In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.