Joint Anglo-French Aerial Assault Hits Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

The British jets were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.

British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."

During December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. says Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.