Combined British-French Aerial Assault Hits IS Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.

The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.

RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," Healey added. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to remove militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."

Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.