Combined British-French Airstrike Hits IS Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

IS - also known as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.

UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," Healey said. "Including them were numerous UK service members deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."

During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

The U.N. estimates Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.