Coordinated Anglo-French Airstrike Strikes Daesh Weapons Depot in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, identified by intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who threaten our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."

In December, the US military conducted what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.