Coordinated Anglo-French Air Strike Strikes Daesh Munitions Store in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.

The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of approach shafts leading to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.

British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I must thank all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," he commented. "Including them were thousands of UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."

In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.