Joint British-French Airstrike Hits Daesh Weapons Depot in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.

The location, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

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

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.

RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."

In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations says IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.