Joint Anglo-French Air Strike Hits Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of entry passages down to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

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

Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.

British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."

In December, the American forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.