Combined UK-French Airstrike Strikes Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The site, located using intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - referred to as Daesh - established militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.

UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.

"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he said. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."

In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.