Coordinated UK-French Air Strike Strikes Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.

The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

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

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.

RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.

"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."

During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.