Combined UK-French Air Strike Strikes Islamic State Arms Cache in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.

The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications suggest the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.

UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."

During December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. reports Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.