Combined UK-French Air Strike Hits IS Arms Cache in Syria

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

The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages leading to the site... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

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

The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.

British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he added. "Including them were numerous UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."

During December, the American forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.