Joint British-French Air Strike Strikes IS Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.

The site, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

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

The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.

British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of thousands of British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."

Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN reports IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.