Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Hits IS Arms Cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.

The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

IS - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.

RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."

Last December, the US military conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.