Combined UK-French Air Strike Targets Islamic State Weapons Depot in Syria

RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The location, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.

The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.

British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank all the members of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."

During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

The UN says Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Iraq and Syria.