Coordinated British-French Airstrike Targets IS Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.

UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of thousands of British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, shows how British military are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."

In December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.