Combined UK-French Air Strike Strikes Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

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

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - referred to as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.

RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," he added. "They were part of numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.