Combined Anglo-French Airstrike Targets Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... early reports suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

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

"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.

British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."

During December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

The UN says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.