Combined British-French Airstrike Strikes IS Arms Cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

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

There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

The British jets were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.

British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their valour," Healey added. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."

Last December, the US military conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN says IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.