Combined British-French Aerial Assault Targets Islamic State Arms Cache in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.

The facility, located using intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of entry passages leading to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.

British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "Including them were thousands of British troops stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."

In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.