Combined British-French Airstrike Hits Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.

RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."

In December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.