Coordinated UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes IS Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.

There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.

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

"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.