Coordinated UK-French Airstrike Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several entry passages down to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.

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

Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.

British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I must thank every member of British forces involved in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he said. "Including them were numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas."

Last December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.