Combined British-French Air Strike Targets IS Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria used by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.

The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of entry passages down to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

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

The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.

British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."

During December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, after an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.