Coordinated Anglo-French Airstrike Targets Daesh Arms Cache in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The location, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just north of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.

Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.

British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.

"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."

In December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.