Combined British-French Air Strike Targets IS Arms Cache in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The location, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.

The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.

UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."

During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.