Combined UK-French Airstrike Targets Islamic State Weapons Depot in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.

The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.

British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who endanger our security, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."

During December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.